Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut, launched the 20th International Sea Glass Festival on July 26–27, 2025, drawing visitors with an immersive celebration of sea and beach glass artistry and conservation.
Over 50 artists and jewelers from around the world displayed unique creations crafted from authentic sea glass. The festival included an artisan marketplace, educational sessions led by beachcombing experts, and a collectors showcase featuring rare shoreline finds such as antique bottles, sea pottery, marbles, and other artifacts.
Held throughout the museum grounds, with vendor booths on the village green and presentations in the Tom Clagett Boat Shed and Meeting House, the event ran daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early access at 9 a.m. on Saturday for museum members and International Sea Glass Association (ISGA) members.
Attendees had opportunities to participate in the annual Sea Glass Contest, with categories including Find of the Year, Frosted Bottles, Pottery/Ceramics, Unique Find, Historical Find, Marbles/Buttons/Beads, and Vendor Entry. Winners were announced on Sunday afternoon. Visitors were also welcome to bring their own shoreline specimens for identification by experts.
ISGA members hosted panels and lectures that explored sea glass origins, coastal history, shoreline preservation, and the art of beachcombing. This year’s festival marked the third consecutive year at Mystic Seaport since relocating from prior venues including Ohio, various East Coast states, and California.
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Museum Vice President of Visitor Journey, Margaret Milnes, remarked, “It’s a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of beachcombing and connect with the stories these ocean treasures carry.”
Entry to the festival was included in general museum admission, and free for Mystic Seaport Museum members. Tickets were valid for both festival days. Parking at the museum was limited, but complimentary off-site parking was available nearby, with free shuttle service operating throughout the weekend.
Since its inception in 2005, the International Sea Glass Association has grown into the premier organizer of sea glass-focused festivals nationwide, promoting authentic, unaltered sea glass appreciation and environmental stewardship. The Mystic Seaport event reflects rising interest in sustainable cultural tourism—celebrating art rooted in ocean conservation and shoreline heritage.
With the museum attracting around 250,000 visitors annually as the largest maritime museum in the U.S., the sea glass festival contributes significantly to local tourism by blending maritime history, environmental education, and community engagement.
The 20th anniversary festival not only highlighted the aesthetic appeal of sea glass but also emphasized broader themes of coastal preservation and sustainable collection practices, underscoring a growing public awareness about protecting marine environments while fostering creativity and local heritage.
For more on tickets, schedules, and participation details, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum or International Sea Glass Association websites.
