Tile Heritage Foundation (THF), established in 1987, is a member-supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to protect and preserve the history of the American tile industry. THF is dedicated to promoting an awareness and appreciation of ceramic surfaces in the United States.

Our Mission is to protect and preserve the history of the American tile industry. We believe that safeguarding ceramic surfaces—from historic architectural terra cotta to contemporary mosaics—is essential to preserving our collective cultural identity. THF serves as an archive that embraces all aspects of the American tile industry, from the industry’s emergence in the 1870s to the present time, validating the significance of American tile for posterity.

Our Programs and Services

Archiving & Research: THF operates as a comprehensive repository and archival library. Our collection includes historic documents, catalogs, and over 140,000 images of tiles and installations. We provide research assistance to the public and industry professionals, maintaining a "living archive" that validates American tile work for posterity.

Preservation Advocacy: We are a leading voice in the preservation of rare and unusual ceramic installations, working to protect significant works in situ.

Education & Outreach: We promote public education through symposiums, workshops, lectures, and tile tours, partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about regional ceramic history.

National Tile Installation Registry: THF operates the National Tile Installation Registry, a unique resource that documents and registers significant tile installations across the globe, ensuring these works are recognized and appreciated as part of the worlds' ceramic tile heritage.