Corning Museum’s ’Hot Glass Roadshow’ to Help Commemorate 400th Anniversary of Jamestown, Va., Where Glassblowing in America Began

WILLIAMSBURG, VA - The Hot Glass Roadshow of The Corning Museum of Glass is bringing its one-of-a-kind glass making demonstration program to the place where glassblowing became America’s first industry nearly 400 years ago.

The Hot Glass Roadshow, which has brought the magic, mystery and artistry of glassmaking to audiences around the world, joins the line-up of exhibits and entertainment for America’s Anniversary Weekend. The May 11-13 event, which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., America’s first permanent English settlement, is introducing the world to a “new” Jamestown story made possible by recent archaeological discoveries and compelling new research.

Working from a fully-equipped mobile facility that serves as both studio and stage, Roadshow artisans -- master glassmakers from The Corning Museum of Glass -- entertain and educate while creating works of art. One of the Roadshow’s most popular programs is called “You Design It; We Make It.” In this segment, members of the audience sketch items and artisans create selected audience drawings in glass.

Steve Gibbs, the Hot Glass Roadshow’s manager of events marketing, said, “It’s a particular honor for us to be part of Anniversary Weekend. How many times does a glassmaker get to perform at an event honoring the place where glassblowing in America began?”

The appearance of the Roadshow complements the traditional glassblowing demonstrations available to the public daily at Historic Jamestowne’s 1608 Glasshouse.

Created in 2001 by The Corning Museum of Glass, the Hot Glass Roadshow made its inaugural voyage to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Since then it has traveled to many major American cities and many other countries.