As a relative newbie to Virginia, I must confess, I really love all the fascinating history right at my doorstep. Recently, some friends treated my hubby and I to our first visit to Jamestown Settlement near Williamsburg. With my limited knowledge of Jamestown, I pictured wooden fences, tobacco fields, and tales of John Smith and Pocahontas. But I learned Jamestown also holds another fascinating legacy: it was the birthplace of American industry.
In 1608, just a year after the settlers arrived, The Virginia Company of London sent German and Polish glassmakers to Jamestown to set up a glasshouse. Due to its rarity and the craftsmanship needed to produce it, their glass was regarded as valuable as gold. Using local resources, they made and shipped various articles back to England to show the colony’s profitability. Unfortunately, their glassmaking efforts in the early 1600s were short-lived due to the hardships they faced, but they still hold great significance–marking one of the very first attempts at manufacturing in America.
A Living History Experience
It was thrilling to see several glassblowing artisans in action as they enthusiastically explained the history of the craft while actually creating beautiful items. One such artisan, Quave (Kwa-vay), kindly fielded all my questions as she skillfully worked red molten glass into a pretty, vase-like piece. She told me her personal glassmaking journey was quite unintentional and began in college where she majored in photography and took glassmaking as an elective. She was hooked and has been honing her skills for several years now. And for anyone interested in learning the craft, she mentioned VCU has an amazing glassblowing program. Quave and all her colleagues at the Glasshouse are very happy to share what they know. Of course, after watching the process, we also purchased a few hand-blown pieces made on site from the connected store and display area.
Why It’s Worth the Visit
As window light streams through the brilliant glass mug in our kitchen, I’m reminded of my visit to Jamestown Glasshouse. The trip yielded more than just a glimpse into old world craftsmanship; it offered tremendous insight into the struggles and ambitions of America’s first settlers. I now realize that the settlement wasn’t only about historical characters and their survival, but also about artistic innovations, trade, and pride of workmanship, all of which can be experienced the next time you plan your own trip to this beloved piece of living history.
Editorial by Kim Amboy; October 2025