What is the NDGA? National Depression Glass Association
Hi,
A consortium of groups and individuals across the U.S. and Canada, the National Depression Glass Association (NDGA) comprises a Houston, Texas-based entity embracing those interested with collecting, learning more about, and the preservation of Depression Glass and its rich history.
Among the many other contributions the NDGA has made toward furthering the interest in Depression Glass, in 1999 its members began a National Glass Collection, in which members have donated some of their finest pieces to be displayed each year at the association’s convention. This collection began in the interest of preserving this famous and collectible glassware and to educate people as to its long-lived beauty and continuing popularity.
The NDGA consists of eight regions located throughout the United States, with each region being governed by an elected officer. A president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer also exist as elected officers to help govern this nationwide Depression Glass organization. Besides these elected positions, five appointees take care of the NDGA’s Web site, newsletter, annual convention, membership, and acquisition committees. All positions within the NDGA are completely volunteer, and the organization exists as a non-profit group. Wonderful!
Formed in 1974, the NDGA now consists of more than 600 members, and although all current members hail from the U.S. and Canada, the NDGA welcomes Depression Glass collectors from all over the world. Many of its speakers and guests do not hold memberships, yet the modest $20 annual fee (last time I checked) entitles individuals and groups to the association’s newsletter, voting rights for board of directors members, Friday evening previews of the conventions and glass shows, and for clubs, a contact-information listing in the newsletter, as well as a free quarter-page ad every year.
The NDGA encourages not only its members, but also anyone interested to write in to its newsletter with information to promote education regarding Depression Glass, to share humorous anecdotes about buying or selling this type of glassware, or just to share thoughts on Depression glass identification, colors, companies or anything. After publication in the newsletter, which goes strictly to members, the association selects some of the newsletter’s content to share with the general public on its Web site.
Each year, the NDGA holds its annual convention in a different area of the country so members in all of its eight regions have the opportunity to attend. These two-and-a-half day meetings begin on Friday night and end Sunday at 5 p.m. Guest speakers always provide enlightening information regarding Depression Glass, and members of the NDGA display private collections of which there are no equal. The NDGA’s annual convention boasts being the only place to see some of the rarest existing Depression Glass pieces. Buying and selling takes place, information is exchanged, and everyone comes away having learned something they didn’t know previously about Depression Glass. And best of all, everyone has a great time!
So if you want to learn more about such things as how Depression Glass was created, what “elegant” glass is, the details on how Fostoria painted Opal-ware, or to just lay your eyes on some wonderful collections of Depression, jot down the NDGA’s annual convention on your calendar. And don’t forget to take a look at its Web site at www.NDGA.net.
If you’ve joined the hundreds of other Depression Glass lovers and begun building your own collection, you just may want to join!
Have Fun and Keep Collecting
Murray
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