One-Of-A-Kind International Festival Returns To Mystic Seaport Museum

MYSTIC, CT — The 20th International Sea Glass Festival, described as "the premier sea and beach glass event in the country celebrating the history and beauty of genuine sea and beach glass," will return for a third year to Mystic Seaport Museum.

The festival will be July 26 to 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature artisans, speakers, a sea glass contest, and more.

"Sea glass enthusiasts and artists unite for a weekend of celebrating the beauty and mystery of the sea," according to a statement from the museum. "Immerse yourself in exquisite sea glass creations from talented artists, jewelers, and designers, and gain fascinating insights from beachcombing experts through a series of educational presentations. Topics include sea and beach glass, coastal history, and shoreline preservation, with lectures held in the Tom Clagett Boat Shed and Meeting House."

The festival's Collectors Showcase highlights extensive private collections of sea glass, beach pottery, sea marbles, antique bottles, and other shoreline treasures.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own finds for expert identification and to enter the annual Sea Glass Contest in the following categories: Find of the Year, Frosted Bottles, Bottle Stopper, Pottery/Ceramics, Unique Find, Historical Find, Marbles/Buttons/Beads, and Vendor Entry. Winners will be announced on Sunday.

Over 50 sea glass artisans, craftspeople, and authors from around the world will be on hand all weekend, offering unique sea and beach glass-related artwork, jewelry, and books for sale.

“Mystic Seaport Museum is proud to welcome back the International Sea Glass Festival for a third year,” Margaret Milnes, vice president of Visitor Journey at Mystic Seaport Museum, said in a statement. “This vibrant weekend brings together artists, collectors, and experts from all over to celebrate the beauty, history, and artistry of sea glass. It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of beachcombing and connect with the stories these ocean treasures carry.”

This family-friendly event is included in museum admission and free for museum members. Tickets purchased for the Sea Glass Festival are valid for both days of the event.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit the Museum’s website.

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