The A.H. Heisey Glass Company started in 1895 by A.H. Heisey (Augustus Henry Heisey), and the glass company continued making glass until 1957. The company was formed in Newark, Ohio. The National Heisey Glass Museum (part of Veterans Park) located at 169 W. Church St., Newark, Ohio is much bigger than it appears! With three galleries, a museum shop, library, and multi-purpose room, etc. over a span of two floors, it seems to go on and on and is full of gorgeous glassware. On our visit, we saw many pieces of glassware that we were seeing for the first time. I said a handful of times, “I’ve never seen that one!”
The docent was very pleasant and we enjoyed our conversations with her; she was helpful in answering our questions. We learned that there will be an online auction and in person auction in April and one can become a member for $40.00 a year and receive discounts on items purchased in the gift shop and get first dibs on more unique glassware when it becomes available. The docent also shared about the Diamond H trademark or sometimes a slightly rubbed off H that may be found on pieces; however, some glassware does not have any symbols, but a Heisey may always be identified by its glow when held up to a black light. With our provided “Gallery Guide”, we went on our $5.00 per person self-guided tour and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Dawn glass (looks clear black), ash trays in the form of soldier’s helmets, crystal kohinoor candelabrums – Circa 1937-1939 with rings and diamond shapes in the center, lamps, an etched mirror cabinet, and plum glass that looks black from a distance and ruby-purple up close were some of the most memorable items for us.
A great deal of the collection was donated by members of the Heisey Collectors of America, Inc. There are other pieces that have been loaned and still more that the Museum’s Acquisitions Committee selected for purchase. All of the items are carefully and beautifully displayed.
If you’ve never visited the National Heisey Glass Museum; I recommend you take some time to do so, you won’t regret it. The beautiful Heisey glass collage doors provide a gorgeous welcome and farewell. Oh, and the “Heisey Hollywood” section where visitors may enjoy seeing photographs of Hollywood stars using Heisey glassware and Heisey glass being used in classic films is also a special delight.
