-- The Stretch Glass Society (SGS), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of stretch glass, will host its 52nd Annual Convention August 6–8, 2026, at the Comfort Inn Lancaster County North in Denver, Pennsylvania.
Founded in Denver in 1974, the Stretch Glass Society has grown into an internationally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization with members throughout the United States and Europe. The annual convention serves as the premier gathering for collectors, researchers, dealers, historians, and admirers of stretch glass—an iridescent, handcrafted American art glass produced by nine U.S. glass companies beginning in 1912.
This year's convention theme, "My Life with Stretch Glass," explores the many ways collectors and decorators continue to incorporate stretch glass into their homes, offices, entertaining spaces, and daily lives. Through exhibits, educational presentations, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences, attendees will discover how this uniquely American glassware remains relevant and beautiful more than a century after its creation.
A centerpiece of the convention will be the Bill Crowl Memorial Stretch Glass Collection, featuring more than 500 remarkable works of stretch glass representing many of the more than 60 colors produced during the art form's history. The collection offers a rare opportunity for visitors to experience the breadth, beauty, and craftsmanship of stretch glass in a single location.
"Whether someone is a longtime collector, a casual admirer, a reseller, or simply curious about American iridized glass, the convention offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, connect, and experience stretch glass firsthand," said Cal Hackeman, President of the Stretch Glass Society. “Many of us use our stretch glass to decorate our homes and to entertain our guests. Several of our members will showcase examples of how they incorporate stretch glass into their lives and homes”, said Deb Brateng, Convention Chair.
Stretch glass production flourished from the 1910s through the 1930s before disappearing from the retail marketplace. Fenton Art Glass Company later revived the process in 1980 and continued producing stretch glass until the company's closure in 2011. Today, collectors and enthusiasts must rely on the secondary market to acquire examples of this distinctive handcrafted glassware.
One of the convention's highlights will be the Welcome Reception on Thursday evening, August 6. Open to the public as well as convention attendees and guests, the reception provides an ideal introduction to stretch glass through exhibits, networking, refreshments, and conversations with knowledgeable collectors and Society members. Visitors will have the opportunity to view selections from the Bill Crowl Memorial Collection as well as displays curated by Society members from their personal collections.
Throughout the convention, attendees can participate in a variety of educational presentations and interactive learning experiences led by recognized experts in the field. Featured sessions include:
- Stretch Glass 101, an introduction to the history, identification, and appreciation of stretch glass.
- A hands-on plate identification workshop where attendees can bring pieces for discussion and evaluation.
- Historical demonstrations and videos exploring traditional stretch glass manufacturing techniques.
- A special presentation on Steuben Glass, another celebrated American iridescent art glass, presented by a representative of the Steuben Glass collecting community.
Unlike machine-made glassware, stretch glass is considered handcrafted art glass. Individual pieces were molded, iridized, and often reshaped by skilled artisans, creating the distinctive shimmering surfaces and artistic forms that continue to attract collectors today.
The convention also provides opportunities for attendees to display personal collections, share recent discoveries, exchange research, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Dealers, collectors, and shop owners frequently attend to acquire pieces, expand their knowledge, and develop lasting relationships within the collecting community.
The event will conclude with a major auction conducted by Burns Auction Service on Saturday afternoon. Featuring approximately 300–350 lots ranging from beginner-friendly pieces to advanced collector material, the auction will be open to both in-person and online bidders. Additional auction details and photographs can be viewed at www.BurnsAuctionService.com.
Conveniently located less than one mile from Adamstown—often referred to as the "Antiques Capital of the United States"—the convention also provides visitors with easy access to numerous antique malls, specialty shops, restaurants, and local attractions throughout northern Lancaster County.
Registration information, membership details, and additional information about stretch glass can be found at www.stretchglasssociety.org.
About the Stretch Glass Society
Founded in Denver, Pennsylvania, in 1974, the Stretch Glass Society is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to researching, preserving, documenting, and promoting stretch glass. Through publications, educational programming, conventions, exhibits, and member engagement, the Society works to ensure that the history and artistry of stretch glass remain accessible to current and future generations.
Contact Info:
Name: Calvin Hackeman
Email: Send Email
Organization: Stretch Glass Society
Phone: 919-600-4533
Website: https://www.stretchglasssociety.org/
Release ID: 89195963
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