Large Selection: July 2018
The National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, New York, stands as a testament to the area's significant role in the 19th century glass bottle industry. Situated in a historic 1901 three-story brick commercial building downtown, this non-profit, educational institution serves as a treasure trove for those interested in American industrial history[1][2].
During the 19th century, the glass industry flourished in Ballston Spa, contributing to the region's participation in world commerce[3]. The museum, under the leadership of Director and Collections Manager Gary Moeller, preserves and showcases this rich history across two floors, featuring extensive exhibits that highlight the local and regional connections to bottle manufacturing[4][5].
In the 1800s, Ballston Spa was a flourishing resort community, popular for its mineral springs, attracting presidents, senators, governors, and wealthy private citizens[10]. The mineral water industry created a significant demand for glass bottles, with millions of bottles manufactured by hand each year for the mineral waters of Saratoga County alone[6]. All bottles were produced exclusively with hand tools and lung power during that era[9].
The National Bottle Museum not only displays a wide range of bottles and glass artifacts but also serves as a resource for understanding the technical, commercial, and cultural impact of the glass industry in the 1800s. The museum's collection includes a significant number of great collections, with the latest addition made in July 2018[7].
Each spring, the museum sponsors "The Saratoga Show," a Bottle Show and Sale attracting enthusiasts from coast to coast in the United States and several provinces of Canada[8]. The show is typically held in early June in Ballston Spa.
Visitors to the National Bottle Museum can gain insight into the development and influence of bottle making in American industrial history. The museum's hours and days of operation may change seasonally, with extended hours on most First Fridays[2]. For more information, visit nationalbottlemuseum.org or email [email protected].
[1] Ballston Spa was a flourishing resort community in the 1800s, popular for its mineral springs. [2] Museum Hours are generally varied throughout the year, with extended hours on most First Fridays. [3] The glass industry in this region allowed Ballston Spa to participate in world commerce during the 19th century. [4] The National Bottle Museum aims to preserve the history of bottle making. [5] The museum's collection includes a significant number of great collections, with the latest being in July 2018. [6] The mineral water industry created a significant demand for glass bottles in the 19th century. [7] Each spring, the Museum sponsors a Bottle Show and Sale known as "The Saratoga Show". [8] Gary Moeller is the Director and Collections Manager of The National Bottle Museum. [9] All bottles were manufactured exclusively with hand tools and lung power during that era. [10] Presidents, senators, governors, and wealthy private citizens visited Ballston Spa to "take the waters" during its heyday.
- In addition to its rich history in the 19th century glass bottle industry, Ballston Spa also boasted a vibrant home-and-garden scene, with the mineral water industry creating a significant demand for glass bottles for the region's mineral waters.
- After exploring the history of glass bottles at the National Bottle Museum, visitors may find inspiration for their lifestyle and home-and-garden endeavors, as the museum serves as a testament to the artisanal craftsmanship of the 1800s.
