Craft Around the Country

A New Lecture and Demonstration Series Dives into the History of Glass

Forged in Fire, a six-part series at Tacoma, Washington’s Museum of Glass, examines the history of American glassmaking through live programming.

By Amy Erickson
March 25, 2026

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Photo courtesy of Museum of Glass

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, will host a series of six lectures and demonstrations on the history of glass in 2026.

Starting March 28, Tacoma, Washington’s Museum of Glass will present Forged in Fire, a lecture and demonstration series exploring the history of American glassmaking.

Each of the six sessions will combine a lecture in the Museum’s Hot Shop with a live glassblowing demonstration of techniques and objects discussed in the talk. Presented in partnership with America 250, a national initiative coordinating historical and cultural events and programs to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, the series will trace the development of American glass from early colonial production in Jamestown to contemporary studio practice, including the work of artists such as Tacoma-born Dale Chihuly.

Lectures will be delivered by glass artist and historian Walter Lieberman, while the Museum’s Hot Shop Team will recreate period-specific forms and processes during the demonstrations.

Photo by Chelsea Tornga

The Museum of Glass' Hot Shop Team will recreate period-specific forms and processes during the demonstrations.

The format is designed to connect historical context with material practice. “Live glassblowing demonstrations allow audiences to see the process behind the artform,” said Tim Butler, the Museum of Glass’ marketing and communication director. “Audiences can see how pieces are made and therefore gain valuable context into the finished works they see in the galleries.”

Each session will focus on a distinct era in American glassmaking, examining the techniques and types of objects associated with that period. The demonstrations highlight the coordination, timing, and heat management required to work with molten glass—technical realities that are not always evident in finished pieces on display.

The programs will take place during regular museum hours and are open to the public with paid admission. Forged in Fire runs through October 31.

Photo by Brandon Reveles

Sarah Gilbert is a member of the Hot Shop Team at the Museum of Glass.

Amy Erickson is a Wyoming-based western silversmith, engraver, and bit-and-spur maker specializing in hand-engraved jewelry and gear.

Learn more about Forged in Fire online.

Website

This article was made possible with support from the Windgate Foundation.

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