The Mason Jar: A Shattered History
Description
Presented by Casey Heilman
November 14, 2023 at 7-8pm EST
The Mason Jar: A Shattered History
Researched and Presented by Casey Heilman
Ask any visitor to a historical site about food preservation during the mid-19th century, and their
response will most likely have something to do with the mason jar. And why not? A quick search
on the internet will bring up hundreds of articles, many of them sponsored by nationally known
and reputable historic institutions, that state several undeniable truths.
The first being that in 1858 a tinsmith from New Jersey named John Landis Mason invented the
Mason Jar. The second is that in November of 1858, Mr. Mason received a patent for his
innovation. Lastly, the jars were introduced onto the marketplace just in time for the American
civil war, becoming an unstoppable force that singlehandedly revolutionized home food
preservation, altered the course of the war, and forever changed the world.
Or did they?
Join research historian Casey Heilman as she guides you through the surprisingly complicated
history of the Mason Jar. Those in attendance will discover what early mason jars looked like,
how they were used, and when they first were made available to the public. But most
importantly, this presentation will cover the forgotten legal battle that will change how we as
historians view Mr. John Landis Mason and his glass jars.