In early January 1987, Sheila Menzies and Joe Taylor conceived Tile Heritage Foundation (THF) while were driving home to California from a holiday in Arizona. 

Two years prior, Joe had left the McIntyre Tile Company and had since been engaged in unearthing the history of California tiles. He combed libraries for information and interviewed industry old-timers.

Although little had been published on tiles at that point, every story Joe discovered opened new doors. These resulted in helpful discussions as Joe and Sheila attempted to trace the origins of tiles adorning architecture throughout the state and beyond. 

The people they met — contractors, dealers, and tile makers themselves — encouraged Joe and Sheila’s excitement and determination to continue. Many offered help: “Let us know what we can do!” 

On January 4, Joe and Sheila stopped at a bookstore in Santa Barbara and purchased Anthony Mancuso’s book on forming a nonprofit organization. Then, they went to work preparing the necessary paperwork for the state and federal government.

THF received 501(c)(3) status a mere 6 months later. 

For the first time in our nation, there was an organization specifically designed to research and preserve America’s ceramic surfaces. Historic information from across the country began to flow into the THF library. 

THF started presenting annual symposiums in cities nationwide with a focus on public education. Flash Point, a THF quarterly news bulletin, started publishing in 1988. Support grew as more and more people and companies joined the Foundation.