Who are we?
The Potteries of Trenton Society (POTS) is a New Jersey non‐profit corporation. Our mission is to promote the study and appreciation of Trenton’s ceramic industry by:
- Gathering and preserving information related to the industry
- Sponsoring research projects, seminars and conferences
- Promoting industry‐related heritage tourism activities
Why Trenton?
In the 19th and early 20th centuries Trenton was a center of American ceramic manufacture, and its products were shipped all over the country, literally from coast to coast. Among the Trenton pottery industry’s accomplishments:
- The city was one of two major ceramic producing centers in the United States, rivaled only by East Liverpool, Ohio
- One of Trenton’s ceramic leaders (Thomas Maddock) refined the flush mechanism for the toilet
- Several firms in Trenton perfected mass production of sanitary ware (bathtubs, sinks and toilets), which until recently continued in the area (American Standard in Hamilton)
- J. L. Mott and Son, a Trenton firm, developed the built‐in bathtub, an innovation that quickly became popular as it made cleaning the bathroom easier
- Products from Trenton potteries, notably Ott & Brewer and Lenox, won numerous awards and recognition at expositions and world fairs
- Many fine examples of Trenton wares are on display at major museums across the country
A Brief History
Please click here for a more detailed history of the 150 years of the Trenton Pottery Industry.
Board of Directors
A list of current and active board members can be found here.
Contact Information
Potteries of Trenton Society 120 W. State Street Trenton, NJ 08608
E‐mail
Please note, however, that we are not able to identify, appraise, or provide information on ceramic objects. Visitors to the site should consult with an appraiser or antique dealer:
American Society of Appraisers P.O. Box 17265
Washington, DC 20041 800‐272‐8258
Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Avenue South Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016 212‐889‐5404