Conventions!

A convention is held annually at locations throughout the country. The locations of our past convention can be found at the bottom of this page under Past Convention History. Although they are generally held in the East or Midwest near the highest concentration of members, we have had conventions as far west as California and Washington, and as far south as Florida. We also try to schedule the convention near a glass museum or to coincide with an antique show or major glass auction when possible.

In recent years, we have combined our convention with other glass groups including the National Toothpick Holder Collectors’ Society and the Milk Glass Collectors Society. Having a broader community of glass collectors, and consequently a larger number of attendees, has resulted in a very worthwhile and enjoyable convention. The convention is a great opportunity to interact with other members who collect antique salt and sugar shakers as well as other Victorian and antique glass.

Of course, many of us go to the convention to buy shakers. One highlight of the convention is the annual shaker and glass auction which is customarily on Friday evening. This is an opportunity to sell shakers and to purchase that special shaker that another member has up for auction. There is only a small (or no) consignment fee for sellers and there is no buyer’s premium for the winning bidder.  Another highlight is “room hopping” to buy shakers from dealer members and other members. There is also a market (sales) where members set up tables of their shakers and other glass for sale. Other activities include the displays (show) in which members set up shaker displays to compete in various categories for an award. The displays are typically in the same room as the market and attendees submit votes for the best displays.

The convention also provides an opportunity for learning more about shakers, glass manufacturers and the local history. Prior to the official start of the convention there is an optional field trip to visit glass museums, historical museums, and nearby visitor sites. Usually there are two educational seminars focused on glass-related topics.  The Identification Committee helps identify shakers that members have submitted as unknown. In the past, members voted on the names recommended by the Identification Committee in a meeting. More recently, the focus of the committee has turned to finding documentation for the original manufacturer and name of the shaker. The findings are reported at the annual meeting and in a column in The Pioneer newsletter and are included on our website.

There is, of course, the board meeting of the officers, board members and committee chairs as well as the annual business meeting for all attendees. Each of the officers and committee chairs gives their report followed by a discussion of current issues.  One of the important matters of business is the discussion and selection of the sites for future conventions.

And no convention would be complete without food. There is typically a buffet on Friday evening just before the auction, and sometimes a buffet lunch the next day. The convention culminates with the annual banquet for attendees to have a final opportunity to interact with members of the AGSSSC and the other clubs and say their goodbyes. Awards for the displays and thanks to the convention host(s) are also presented.

For pictures and information on past conventions click on the below links listed by year. We are uploading more pictures as they are recovered from the old website so check back from time to time!