American Glass: Born of Necessity, Crafted with Soul

Online
June 9–30, 2026

Discover 250 years of glassmaking in America with this four-week virtual craft history course. Immigrant craftsman and entrepreneurs initially focused production on the necessities, primarily windows and bottles. Regardless, glassblowers found opportunities to “play” in the factory. Using major museum collections, historic photographs, videos, and archaeological collections, this course will examine how the demand for specific skills and opportunities for creativity evolved with changes in technology and design trends. Special emphasis will be placed on the origins of the American Studio Glass movement and the shift from factory to studio.

Instructor Mary Mills is the Director of Exhibitions and Collections at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in Millville, New Jersey, and is curator for the Museum of American Glass. Her recent exhibitions include Transformations: The Wasserstein Collection of Contemporary Glass; Centuries of Tomfoolery: Trick Glasses, Pipes, and Whimsical Delights; and Amber Cowan: Alchemy of Adornment. Mills also serves as historic glass specialist for AECOM Cultural Resources, assisting archaeologists in identifying and interpreting glass artifacts recovered in Philadelphia.