National Park Service Shop: "Glass from the Glasshouse" Top 5 Page for this destination Jamestown Shopping Tip by grandmaR

I didn't buy anything at this shop - we were on the last leg of a long journey, and I didn't want to buy anything fragile.

At the Glasshouse you can watch as glass artisans make green glass wine bottles, similar to those found at Jamestown, and other items. These include vases, pitchers, candleholders, wine glasses and paper weights.

The website says:

In 1608, the Virginia Company of London brought several German and Polish glassblowing artisans to Jamestown, Virginia to set-up glassworks in the new colony. This first attempt was not successful.

Later, in 1622, the Company would again attempt to manufacture glass with Italian glassblowers, but this attempt failed also

In 1954, the ruins of the long-abandoned glass furnaces were discovered in Jamestown. Years later, an operating 17th century style glass house was reconstructed near the ruins. Today, this site has become an interpretive glassblowing facility operated by Eastern National. Modern-day artisans dressed in colonial glassblowing garb produce masterful pieces of glass, much as the colonists did almost 400 years ago.

Today the glass furnace is heated by natural gas, rather than by wood as in 1608. Our craftsmen use tools and methods similar to those used in the 17th century.

What to buy: The last photo shows a Case Bottle

A case bottle, used for storing wine, was the most common glass vessel in the first half of the 17th century. Hundreds of these bottles were found in Jamestown. The name is derived from the square sides of the bottle that allowed it to be packed into a wooden box or case for easy transport. Stands 9” high

The also manufacture more modern items (candlesticks, flasks etc), but NONE of these items are dishwasher or microwave safe.

Brandy Shot Glass (Green) reproduction of a small beaker found at the Jamestown archeological site. $14.50

Chamberstick (Clear) is a clear dish candlestick holder. It is a demonstration of a commonly used household item used during the Colonial times $18.95

Small oil lamps were used in the early 1800's to set the duration of a visit from a gentleman caller. When the lamp went out, so did he! Approximately 7" high. Two piece product: lamp in swirled colored glass, clear wick holder. Wick included. Oil not included.

Sparking Lamp available in
# Green (keyword: 9-0062); ($24.95
# Cobalt (keyword: 9-0064); ($27.95) and
# Amethyst (keyword: 9-0060). ($30.95)

Lacemaker Lamp (Clear)
Bright light was needed to do the finely detailed work of lacemaking. The lamp's light was focused through a globe of water to increase its intensity. Although crystal glass was not made at the original glasshouse of 1608, reproductions from later periods are produced today. Made with ten separate pieces of glass. Pewter wick holder included. Stands approximately 10-1/2" high. $79.95

Of course there are other non-glass items for sale such as

James Fort Kit $6.50
Jamestown Lapel Pin $2.99
Jamestown Spoon $8.95
Jamestown Thimble (pewter) $8.95
Jamestown, Virginia Throw Blanket $59.95
Jamestown: An American Legacy (a book) $9.95
RANGERS Activity and Sticker Book $7.95

What to pay: Teachers can order various kinds of paperweights for their classes (2 weeks in advance) for $2.50 to $3.50 each. You can also get items like a Christmas ornament for $10.95 or a
Heart Pitcher (Green) Heart Pitcher (Green) for $14.50

Phone: (757) 229-2437
Theme: Local Craft