2026 HCA Annual Convention

Annual Convention to Celebrate Heisey’s Place in History

Join your fellow Heisey glass enthusiasts this summer for a grand celebration of the glass that made its mark on Newark, on Ohio, and on the nation. We’ll recognize Heisey’s Place in History during our annual convention June 17 through 20.

“This theme is especially fitting during the year in which we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States,” said HCA President Caleb-Michael Files. “We will explore the rich legacy of A.H. Heisey & Company in a convention that is shaping up to be one of our best.”

Wednesday, June 17, enjoy a catered Welcome Picnic* at 5:30 p.m. under a large tent on the grounds of the Buckingham House, just a couple of doors down from the Heisey Glass Museum.

Following the picnic, the Crystal Clear Virtual Heisey Study Club will host an informal social open to all at 7:30 p.m. with appetizers, beverages, and a silent auction of Heisey glass at the Hampton Inn in Heath.

Thursday, June 18, will include three special opportunities to deepen your knowledge of glass and Heisey history:

• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology in downtown Newark will provide a private glassblowing demonstration* in the morning.
• The Works will offer a glassblowing class* for up to 10 people in the early afternoon.*
• Current owners of the Heisey factory building have graciously agreed to conduct a tour* of portions of the factory at noon for up to 20 people as a fundraiser for HCA.

All three of these are ticketed events. If more people than can be accommodated wish to participate, a lottery will be used to select those who can purchase tickets. To be included in the lottery for any of these events you must register by May 8 and indicate on the form your interest in these events.

Thursday would also be the perfect time to explore the new exhibit of Heisey reproductions in the lower level of the museum, or the exhibit of Heisey vases in the museum’s Walter Ludwig Gallery.

Anticipation will build throughout the day for A Touch of Glass – the 4 p.m. gala, red carpet opening of the 2026 HCA Glass Show and Sale* at The Skylight in downtown Newark. Enjoy complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres, have your photo snapped by a pro at our Heisey History photo stop, and then shop the show.

Friday, June 19, begins at the museum with the HCA Annual Meeting, the election of board members, and reports from study clubs, followed by the first convention seminar, a glass identification session called Mystify the Masters. The glass show will reopen Friday afternoon, and three seminars will be held at The Skylight to give convention goers the opportunity to learn a little, shop a little. Friday seminar topics are Through the Looking Glass of an Edwardian Dinner Party, Heisey’s Creams (and Sugars) of the Crop, and Heisey’s Overlooked Jewels.

The 2026 Convention Banquet* will be held Friday evening at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, just a couple of blocks from the glass show. We are planning a special program as well as an auction of enticing Heisey glass.

Saturday, June 20, begins bright and early with the Glass Flea Market at 8 a.m. in Newark’s Canal Market District, where you can find bargains in Heisey and other glass. Bring your dimes and test your skill for a chance to win Heisey glass in the Dime Toss, a fan favorite tradition of the flea market.

The final day of the glass show opens at 11 a.m. and two additional seminars are scheduled: Heisey’s Adventures Into Bent Glass and Other Mid-Century Modern Styles, and Navigating the Online Archives. If you are still hesitating about a piece glass, buy it now! The show closes at 3 p.m.!

*Participants must register in advance for the convention, picnic, Thursday ticketed events, and banquet. The gala opening of the HCA Glass Show and Sale is free to convention registrants; tickets will be available at the door for the general public.

Your Heisey Convention Committee
Lisa Baldus
Bari Fauss
Julie Goletz
Jenny Higbee
Kelly Thran
Amy Whitmore
Jennifer Miller, Co-Executive Director
Cheryl Varrasso, Co-Executive Director
Mary Olson, Committee Chair
Caleb-Michael Files, HCA President