Networks

Networks are an important element in developing professional connections, education, and communities. This is a directory of networks related to the historic trades.

Connect with Professionals

This page hosts a roster of professional networks related to the historic building trades. Membership-based networks are open to individual, organizational, and/or businesses–some networks will have prerequisite qualifications.

Do you know a network that should be added or a network that is no longer active? Submit an entry! This helps us keep the database an up-to-date and relevant resource. As available, please include the name of the organization, contact information, website and social media, membership type, activities and publications, and trade skills practiced.

Stained Glass Association of America

Address 371 Delaware Avenue Buffalo New York 14202 United States Primary Phone: (800) 438-9581 Website: https://stainedglass.org/
Biography
Mission

The Stained Glass Association of America is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation acting as a professional trade association. By virtue of this distinction, SGAA is devoted to the improvement of business conditions in the stained glass industry. Founded as The National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers Association, now The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) was organized in July 1903 by a group of stained glass craftsmen to promote and protect the art of architectural stained glass. During the course of the more than 115-year history of the organization, this effort has grown to include all architectural glass arts. Otto W. Heinigke wrote in 1923 that the purpose of the Association stated in its constitution is “in all lawful ways to promote the welfare of its members and bettering of trade conditions generally.” (Ornamental Glass Bulletin, June, 1923)

John G. Lloyd in Stained Glass in America lists eight points of the early aims of the Association:

  1. To put an end to cutthroat competition that did nothing more than encourage poor quality and discourage honest craftsmanship
  2. To educate the public and help churches and architects to have a better understanding of stained glass
  3. To promote real aesthetic values and standards for the craft
  4. To combat low quality and low prices of foreign competition
  5. To promulgate friendship and understanding among the craftsmen themselves
  6. To counteract the pressure of organized labor that, at the time, caused unsettled conditions in a largely unorganized craft-industry
  7. To establish economic standards that would end the practice of ridiculously low pricing that came about through ignorance of how to figure a job
  8. To raise the standards of the craft both artistically and economically
Membership

Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.

Activities

Annual conference, learning resources, quarterly magazine.

Publications

Stained Glass Quarterly

Trade Skills

Stained Glass, Windows