Historic Ball jar collection finds new home at Ball State University

Submitted

A premier collection of nearly 3,000 Ball jars and related memorabilia has been donated to Ball State University, connecting the iconic Ball family legacy to its roots in Muncie and ensuring future generations can explore this piece of history.

The donation, made by Mary Harper, honors the extensive collection built by her late husband, Jeff Harper, a lifelong collector and authority on Ball jars and the Ball brothers’ company. The jars and ephemera, which had been displayed in the Harpers’ Houston home, are now back in Muncie with plans for future display at the University.

The donation to Ball State was announced recently at the annual Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club Convention in Muncie.

“Jeff’s passion for Ball jars was boundless, and he found joy in sharing his knowledge and collection with others,” Harper said. “After his passing, it became important to me that this collection stay intact and find a home where its historical significance would be preserved and appreciated. Ball State, with its deep ties to the Ball family and the Muncie community, felt like the perfect place.”

Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns expressed gratitude for the donation.

“This extraordinary gift from Mary Harper ensures that the legacy of the Ball brothers and their contributions to Muncie and beyond remain at the forefront of our collective memory,” President Mearns said. “We are honored to be entrusted with preserving and showcasing this remarkable collection, which will serve as a bridge between our community’s past and the learning experiences of future students.”

The Ball family’s impact on Muncie and Ball State University is immeasurable. From founding the University to shaping the community through philanthropy and innovation, the Ball brothers’ legacy is intertwined with the history of the region. This collection celebrates not only their contributions to canning and manufacturing but also the artistry and cultural significance of the jars themselves.

The donation will feature prominently in a documentary film being produced by Ball State students and faculty, funded by the Virginia Ball Center for Creative Inquiry, highlighting the history of Ball jars, the community of collectors, and the Harpers’ story.

“This collection is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ball brothers and the unique cultural footprint of something as humble yet significant as a Ball jar,” Harper said. “I’m thrilled that future visitors will be able to appreciate its beauty and importance.”