History of the Club
The Historical Glass Club of Pittsburgh (HGCP) was founded in 1939 as the Lowell Innes Chapter of the National American Glass Club. Its first president was Mr. Lowell Innes himself. In 1988, the original organization divided into two discrete groups. The HGCP branch, no longer affiliated with the national organization, met in Oakland for many years, first at the former College Club and later at the former Pittsburgh Athletic Association. At the present time, the HGCP meets at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park, PA.
The Ohio River Valley was for over a hundred years the largest center of glassmaking in America—in some respects, in the whole world. The HGCP has been active in contributing to the study of regional glassmaking through lectures, public displays, and donations to related organizations such as the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia.
Our membership includes collectors, dealers, and interested parties. We enjoy a unique fellowship through our dinner meetings, field trips, and volunteering at our Antiques Show. Some of our members have been with us for over thirty years! And we all have a passion for glass—many of us belong to more than one glass organization.
2024-2025 Meetings
Our members meet on the third Wednesday of each month, September through May, with the exception of February, when we present our annual Antiques Show. Membership is required to attend monthly meetings. Please visit the Membership page for an application form.
Dinner reservations are required. Menu choices are published in The Glassblower and are made at the same time as your reservation. Members may bring guests, and may opt to skip dinner and come for the program alone.
Note: Programs are subject to change.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the history, study, and appreciation of American glass, with emphasis on glass manufactured in the Pittsburgh region, as well as its relationship to the useful and decorative arts.
The Historical Glass Club of Pittsburgh (HGCP) is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) Charitable Organization listed in the IRS pub 78 CHARITIES database.