Last Updated: Apr 27, 2022     Views: 2296

Commemorative Wineglass. CMoG 87.4.55.
Image: Commemorative Wineglass, American Flint Glass Manufactory of Henry William Stiegel, Manufacturer. Lazarus Isaacs, Engraver. Manheim, PA, 1773. Gift in part of Roland C. and Sarah Katheryn Luther, Roland C. Luther III, Edwin C. Luther III, and Anne Luther Dexter. CMoG 87.4.55.

Overview

Although glassmaking was America's first industry, little glassblowing took place in the American colonies in the 1600s. Wealthy American colonists imported glassware, while most settlers used drinking vessels made of other materials like wood and pewter. Window glass was scarce.

Nearly 20 factories were started between 1732 and 1780 in North America, and there was a large market for window and bottle glass.

There are some names that you should know when studying early American glassmaking.

Significant Figures in Early American Glassmaking

You can find additional resources on 17th- and 18th-century glassmakers in the Library catalog.

Books for Young People on Glassmaking in Colonial America

Three books written specifically for young people might be helpful for your project:

Museum Objects from This Period

View Museum objects from this period to uncover the names of other manufacturers, makers, and engravers.

Additional Online Resources from The Corning Museum of Glass

 

More extensive lists of resources are available upon request. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance via Ask a Glass Question (https://libanswers.cmog.org/), email (rakow@cmog.org), phone (607-438-5300), or text (607-821-4029).

 

Please don't hesitate to contact us with your glass-related questions in the future!

 

 

 

 

 

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Please note: The Corning Museum of Glass is a non-profit, educational institute and, as such, cannot answer questions about rarity or value of your glass. For more information about appraisal services, see our curatorial FAQs.

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