The Heart of What We Do: Our Community Charter
Hi everyone,
I want to speak plainly, but also straight from the heart.
Over time, together, we have built what is widely recognized as the largest known resource dedicated to documenting and identifying Murano glass animals. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because hundreds of people chose to share photos, compare pieces, debate attribution respectfully, and contribute their knowledge so the next person could learn faster than we did.
Whether you have been with us for years or are discovering the beauty of these glass creatures for the very first time, you are welcome here. We are writing a living reference book together, ensuring that the provenance, history, and artistry of Murano glass are never lost to time. We are a community built on a shared passion, and we are actively looking for new members, collectors, and curious minds to join us in this vital mission.
To protect what we have built and to show new members who we are and what we stand for, we operate by a core Community Charter. These are the values that define us, protect our research, and ensure this remains a welcoming space for all.
The Murano Glass Animals Core Charter
- Mission and Research First: Our primary purpose is the preservation of history. Every action we take as a community serves the documentation and accurate identification of Murano glass. We prioritize education, archival integrity, and a shared love for this historic art form.
- Respect and Constructive Dialogue: Differences of opinion regarding attribution, makers, and eras are the lifeblood of healthy research. We welcome these debates, provided they are conducted with kindness, humility, and mutual respect. We leave egos at the door so that learning can thrive.
- Privacy over Public Conflict: When difficulties or disagreements arise, they are handled privately and constructively. We protect the dignity of our individuals and the harmony of our space, ensuring the group remains focused, positive, and productive.
- Safeguarding Shared History: The knowledge you contribute here belongs to history. When research posts are deleted, it pulls vital pages out of our shared reference book. If you ever feel frustrated or need space, we ask that you reach out to an admin so we can find a respectful way forward that protects you while preserving the archive for future collectors.
- Leadership Through Service: Our team consists of volunteers who serve the mission. We hold ourselves to a high standard of trust: to keep the group research-first, to protect the archives, and to ensure this remains a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
Join Us in Guarding the History
We are growing, we are documenting, and we need your unique perspective to help us move forward. If you want to join our mission and uphold this charter today, the path is beautifully simple:
- Keep posting your Murano animals—every piece tells a story.
- Add clear photos (including bases and pontils when possible).
- Share any known provenance, catalogs, or labels.
- Support each other kindly while we do the work.
This initiative is bigger than any single one of us. The history matters, the art matters, and together, we can ensure it never disappears.
With gratitude and determination,
The Murano Glass Animals Team