Celebrating Glassmaking 2011

A variety of special programs are planned throughout the weekend of October 8 and 9 at the Historic Jamestowne Glasshouse that will highlight the importance of the glass industry and its impact on the development of the first permanent English settlement in North America.

All programs take place at Historic Jmestowne, located at the western end of the Colonial Parkway, 12 miles from Williamsburg. Parking at the Glasshouse is limited, so visitors may want to park at the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center (1368 Colonial Parkway) and ride the free Jamestown Area Shuttle to and from the Glasshouse.

SPECIAL NOTE: Because of construction at the entrance station the normal traffic pattern has been detoured. The exit lanes have been marked for two way traffic. The normal entrance gate is closed to traffic. Please follow the detour signs and drive carefully.

 

SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - October 8 and 9

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Visit the Glasshouse

 

NPS Image

Jamestown Glasshouse were they blow glass just as they did in 1608

Tour the remains of the original furnaces used by the early glassblowers and watch as glassblowing is again preformed at Jamestown, more than 400 years after the colonists first established the industry. Modern artisans in period clothing produce common glass objects using tools and techniques similar to those of the 17th century.

During the day, the glassblowers will produce a variety of different products, using methods and techniques developed around the world over the centuries.

 

"You design it, we make it"
Throught the day the glassblowers will select designs submitted by visitors and attempt to reproduce them in glass.

The glasshouse will also have free drawings for glass items produced by the glassblowers throughout the day. Stop by and have a chance to win a hand blown glass item.

 

NPS Image composite

17th Century illustration of Bulls Eye glass production opposite modern day Jamestown Glasshouse Bulls Eye production

Bull's Eye Glass
Learn about "bull's eye glass" and see a demonstration of how it's made. Until modern techniques were developed, one way of making window glass was to spin a blob of molten glass, which centrifugal force flattened into a sheet. When the tool was pulled away, it left a characteristic bull's eye mark. The relatively flat glass on the perimeter of this glass pancake was carefully cut into pieces and sold to the wealthier consumers who could afford window panes. The bull's eye mark was often used in lesser locations, such as barns and sheds.

 

Historic Jamestowne offers a wealth of activities for exploring the first permanent English settlement in North America. Visitors can walk the site of the original 1607 James Fort excavation and learn about the Jamestown Rediscovery excavation at the Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium, the site's archaeology museum; tour the original 17th-century church tower and reconstructed 17th-century Jamestown Memorial Church, and take a walking tour with a Park Ranger through the New Towne area along the scenic James River. Museum stores are available at the Visitor Center and at the Archaearium. Lunch is available on the banks of the James River at the Dale House Cafe. Entrance to the site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the grounds remain open until dusk.

Historic Jamestowne is jointly administered by the National park Service and Preservation Virginia and preserves the original site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Admission to the site is $10.00 for adults (children under age 16 are free) and includes admission to Yorktown Battlefield for seven consecutive days. National Park Service and federal recreation passes are also honored. For further information visit www.nps.gov/colo or www.HistoricJamestowne.org, or call [phone] or [phone].