Settled in 1637, Sandwich is the oldest town in Cape Cod. It was mainly agrarian community during its early years until a visionary entrepreneur brought the glass making industry to the area in 1825. Banking on the nearby coastal sands and the canals that could efficiently transport their product, the glass companies of Sandwich thrived.
Over almost the next century, the town’s factories quickly churned out vases, light bulbs, lamp glass, as well as many other products. The main production facility changed hands a number of times over the years, and smaller rivals arose and fell in the area, but by the 1920’s the breakable industry had eventually dried up.
The preservation group of the Sandwich Historical Society luckily began to pick up the pieces and started putting on displays of the glass works in early 1925. Their exhibitions eventually grew over the years to become the Sandwich Glass Museum. Rare pieces of glass and elaborate glass sculptures are on display for collectors to adore.
Displaying more than 6,000 pieces, in fifteen galleries, created by the different glass companies during the 19th and 20th centuries, the famous museum also displays plenty information from the history of Sandwich and the glass industry as a whole. A lucky few are even offered the chance to press glass straight from the furnace.
The Museum also includes daily glass blowing demonstrations, a multi-media theater, a contemporary glass gallery, and special exhibitions. In addition to visitors viewing the intriguing world of glassblowing, they can also interact with glassblowers as they demonstrate their craft in all its complexity. Family friendly and interactive, this museum is a must during your visit.
Located in the heart of Sandwich, and close to the Heritage Museums and Gardens, the Museum also houses a dazzling store featuring contemporary glass artists as well as reproductions. It offers perfumes, jewelry, paperweights, vases and ornaments. Be sure to stop by on your next visit to Cape Cod. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!