It's Bizarre To Think That Wisconsin Is Home To The World's Largest Collection Of Glass Paperweights, But It's True
By Ben Jones|Published November 09, 2022
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Ben Jones
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Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
People collect just about everything. There are beer can collectors, rare book collectors, and space rock collectors – some people even collect unusual toilet paper! A Wisconsin museum has a huge collection of something as rare as it is beautiful: antique glass paperweights. It’s a gorgeous throwback collection that you have to see to believe. Here’s why the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is one of Wisconsin’s best museums.
You’ll find this unusual museum in a Neenah mansion. The home is in the heart of a top paper-making region, and it’s no coincidence.
This colorful museum’s history is connected to Evangeline Bergstrom. She was the wealthy spouse of John Nelson Bergstrom, who helped found the Bergstrom Paper Company.
Over the years, Evangeline Bergstrom traveled extensively and began collecting rare glass paperweights. In her later years, she became an expert collector of art glass and built an extensive collection.
Before they died, the Bergstroms made substantial donations to ensure the world could forever enjoy the beauty of this glass. They make a large cash donation to the Neenah, and they also donated their opulent home to the town.
The museum holds more than 3,500 beautiful objects from all over the world. The glass is carefully displayed and well lit so you can see the beauty and craftsmanship that went into these unusual objects.
The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass has more than paperweights – it also has an incredible collection of art glass, and it holds special classes and workshops. Learn more on the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass website. While you’re in the Neenah area, there’s even more art to discover. In fact, Lady Liberty might be a little closer than you realize!
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