The Museum of Ceramics houses an extensive collection of the wares produced in East Liverpool, Ohio, and the 1909 U.S. Post Office that now houses the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore exhibits that depict the growth and development of the ceramic industry from 1840 to 1930, the period during which the city’s potteries produced over half of the country’s ceramics output. Through skillful use of photographs, ceramics and other artifacts, the exhibits vividly portray the products and day-to-day life. The most comprehensive collection of Lotus Ware, produced in the 1890s by East Liverpool’s own Knowles, Taylor & Knowles, is also on exhibit. Additional displays on the social, political and economic history of East Liverpool explore the impact of industry on the community. Average visit time: Allow 90 minutes
East Liverpool, known as “America’s Crockery City,” was the center of the ceramic industry in America. From 1840 to 1930, East Liverpool’s potteries produced over half of the ceramics manufactured in the United States. At the turn of the 20th century, East Liverpool’s ceramics industry was vibrant and was as important to East Liverpool as the steel industry was to Pittsburgh.
Located in the former city post office, the museum is a great example of the adaptive use of old buildings. In 1970, the State of Ohio purchased the post office in anticipation of developing a museum. In 1980, the building was designated The Museum of Ceramics. Constructed entirely of fireproof materials, the Beaux Arts style building contains many interesting architectural features, including ornately decorated domed ceilings, solid oak trim and a beautiful marble and terrazzo floor. The lobby displays a 1930s mural by Youngstown artist Roland Schweinsburg of James Bennett’s first pottery in East Liverpool, established in 1839.
The Museum of Ceramics is locally managed by the Museum of Ceramics Foundation.
