Sandwich Glass Museum

Frommer's Review

Even if you don't consider yourself a glass fan, make an exception for this fascinating museum, which captures the history of the town above and beyond its legendary industry. A 20-minute video introduces Deming Jarves's brilliant endeavor, which flourished from 1828 to 1888, bringing glassware -- a rare commodity available only to the rich -- within reach of the middle classes. Jarves picked the perfect spot, surrounded by old-growth forest, to fuel the furnaces, with a harbor handy for shipping in fine sand from farther up the coast and salt-marsh hay with which to pack outgoing orders. All went well until Midwestern glass factories started using coal; unable to keep up with their level of mass production, he switched back to handblown techniques.

A multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion has freshened up the entire museum, and glass is displayed in light and airy rooms. Highlights of the renovation include a furnace, where glass-blowing demonstrations are featured, and a multimedia theater. Since the museum is run by the Sandwich Historical Society, one room is given over to changing exhibits highlighting other eras in the town's history, such as its stellar seafaring days. An excellent gift shop stocks Sandwich-glass replicas, as well as original glassworks by area artisans.

Note: Arrive by 3:30pm to allow yourself time to see glass-blowing demonstrations and presentations in the theater.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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