THE MUSEUM
In 2002, The Museum of Bags Foundation, a 501(C)(3), whose purpose is to operate The Museum of Bags was founded by Howard and Lee Forman.

The Museum of Bags seeks to become an innovative and dynamic museum noted internationally for its collection. Built on a viable financial and organizational foundation, the museum will offer compelling educational exhibitions and programs that will change forever the way visitors of all ages look at a bag.

The collection is stored under archival conditions. Not yet open to the public, the museum is presenting a portion of its collection online in anticipation of a traveling exhibition.

BAGS
From its origins as a plain fiber sack, the humble shopping bag emerged as a sophisticated merchandising tool. Its development parallels the transformation of the American retailing economy from peddlers, shopkeepers, and dry goods stores in the 19th century, to the rise of department and chain stores, mail order catalogues, and supermarkets in the 20th century. Its development reflects changing trends in art, design, and marketing over more than a century.