Imperial Glass Collector’s Convention celebrating the vast collection of Lucille Kennedy
The 49th Annual National Imperial Glass Collector’s Convention will celebrate two amazing ladies connected with Imperial Glass and feature a special, in-person auction including rare pieces from the vast collection of Lucille Kennedy. The 2025 convention will be held in May this year. It starts on May 1 with an ice cream social, informal dinner, bingo, and games at the National Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire bringing in glass enthusiasts from all over the country. It continues on May 2 and 3 at the Market at Ebbert Farms on National Road in St. Clairsville.
This year’s convention will celebrate Lucille Kennedy and Rosalie Wenckoski. Miss Kennedy was the Special Assistant to Imperial President, Carl W. Gustkey, and Rosalie was Miss Kennedy’s Secretary. Rosalie has been the administrator of the National Imperial Glass Museum for many years. A roast of Rosaie will be part of the convention’s banquet on Friday.
Friday’s events will include an “Imperial Cuttings” seminar by Chris Gould, Fred Ottoson, and Kathy Turner, Bring & Brag, Former Employees Roundtable, and a preview of the Lucille Kennedy Auction.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Imperial Glass Corp, paying tribute to its employees, educating the public, and providing research opportunities. For 80 years, Imperial was one of the largest handcrafted glass companies in America and was located at Imperial Plaza on Belmont St. NIGM is a “must visit” for glass enthusiasts
The museum displays over 3,000 fine examples of Imperial glassware created from 1904 to 1984, including Candlewick, Cape Cod, Carnival, milk glass, slag, and more.
Begin your visit to the Museum by viewing a video tracing Imperial’s history. After touring the glass display rooms, take the time to peruse the gallery of portraits, original photographs, and advertising materials, providing additional insight into Imperial’s history, including some of the people who played a significant role in creating such beautiful glassware.
Numerous tools and implements used in Imperial’s Mould Shop are displayed. Island Mould Co. of Wheeling, WV, has coordinated this specific display. Other original implements and glass from the Ohio Valley Glass & Artifacts Museum (OVGAM) can also be viewed.
The Blue Star Museum is open Thursday-Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm and admission is $5 per person. Admission is free for veterans, Glass Collector Society members, children under 12, and former Imperial Glass employees. The building is handicapped accessible, and there is a gift shop.
