New Museum Opens

by Cindy Arent
Issue No. 349 - May 2002

The National Museum of Cambridge Glass, owned and operated by the National Cambridge Collectors Inc., opened the doors of the new museum on Wednesday, April 3, 2002. It was quite a busy week. Visitors were sent to the museum by Penny Court Antique Mall, the Degenhart Museum, Salt Fork Lodge, and many found the museum on their own.

Every day since the March auction has been filled with volunteers NCC museum completing projects prior to the opening. Rich, Sally, Brook, and Steve Bennett spent many hours placing inventory numbers on the museum collection which now numbers over 2000 pieces. This task was very tedious and time consuming and we would like to thank everyone who helped with the project.

The Sample Room display has also been completed. Every effort was made to make it appear just as it did at the Cambridge factory.

The History of Glassmaking area will be an ongoing project. At present, mannequins depict the Hot Metal department, Gold Decorating, and Etching. Willard Kolb donated original decorating chairs and decorating brushes that he had obtained at the Lotus Glass Company.

Mosser Glass has created a beautiful display of the raw materials needed to make glass. Museum visitors will be able to view it in the glassmaking display area.

Mark Nye arrived from Michigan and spent the week helping in many areas. The museum showcases have been numbered and Mark is working on the narrative for a self-guided museum tour. The script will be read into small tape players so visitors will have the option of touring while reading the script themselves or listening to a tape player.

Carl Beynon has been hanging original factory photos as soon as they are matted and framed. He has also refurbished the large frame of the factory drawing that was severely damaged in the flood.

There are severed finishing touches yet to add before the official Grand Opening at Convention in June. Anytime you are travelling near the area, please stop by for a visit. The museum hours are April through October; Wednesday-Saturday, 9a.m. to 4p.m.; and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

We hope to see you soon!