A sign in front of the former Riverside Church of Christ depicts the future home of Fenton Art Glass museum. David Kingsley, President of the Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America, said the building is located a block and a half from the old factory location. (Photo Provided)

WILLIAMSTOWN — Fenton Art Glass admirers will soon have a new home to view pieces and learn about who created them.

Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America closed on the former Riverside Church of Christ building at 501 Caroline Ave. in Williamstown on April 17.

David Kingsley, President of the Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America, said the closing was a long time coming, since the group had been looking for a place since 2018. They had viewed between eight and 10 properties but none had worked out. Kingsley said the group liked the church building because of the proximity to the old factory.

“It’s about a block and a half from the old factory site,” he said. “You can see where that was once you walk out.”

The museum will honor both the people and the processes that built Fenton throughout their history.

“We want to tell the story of Fenton Art Glass from when they opened in Martins Ferry, Ohio, in 1905 to when it closed in 2011. We’re looking for not only the pieces themselves, but the tools that were used to make them and anyone who has information about them,” he said.

Kingsley said the group has a lot of remodeling work ahead to convert the building into a museum. They are working with a local architect on designs and floor plans.

One of the FAGCA members has experience building museum displays, Kingsley said.

“We are blessed to have her and her brother’s experience. They built displays for a living and know what they should look like,” he said.

Volunteers will also be needed, whether they donate a glass piece or tool or have information or stories about the old plant to provide to the FAGCA. Kingsley said.

Kingsley said the collectors are looking to rehome a remnant of the church.

“We have 16 church pews that need a good home,” he said “They are in great condition and I would hate to see them go to the dump,” he said.

Kingsley said he and his fellow members are excited to get the process started.

“We are very excited,” he said. “People haven’t had a place to view Fenton art glass in masses, unless you go to a club show, for 13 years.”

Kingsley said the projected opening date is April 2025.

To follow the museum’s progress, Kingsley said updates will be posted on the Museum of Fenton Art Glass Facebook page. For more information, contact the Fenton Glass Collectors Office at 304-375-6196 or email fagcainc@cascable.net.

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com