Program to celebrate 200 years of W.Va. glass

CHARLESTON -- In celebration of 200 years of West Virginia glass, six enthusiasts will explain their divergent perspectives on West Virginia glass and how they came to connect with it on Thursday, Aug. 22 in the Archives and History Library in the Culture Center in Charleston.

The program titled "Six Voices: Six Short Stories about West Virginia Glass" will begin at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Each presenter will share one object that is symbolic of his or her story. Millie Coty of Williamstown, W.Va., home of Fenton Glass, will discuss growing up in a glass town. Dave Bush of Weston, W.Va., will explore teaching the children of glassworkers. Dane "Woody" Moore of Jane Lew, W.Va., will talk about managing a glass factory. Dottie Daugherty of Huntington will discuss her inherited passion for collecting glass. Dean Six of Cairo, W.Va., who is executive director of the West Virginia Museums of American Glass, will talk about growing up around glass. Tom Felt of Clarksburg, W.Va., will talk about how glass motivated him to move to West Virginia.

Glass producers were first attracted to West Virginia because of its abundant supply of silica, limestone and natural gas. Since 1815, about 450 glass factories, including Blenko, Fenton and Pilgrim Glass have operated in West Virginia and western Virginia. Another 50 craftsmen who made glass in larger companies and marked their ware with their names or initials have been identified.

For planning purposes, participants are encouraged to register for the lecture, but advance registration is not required to attend.

To register in advance, contact Robert Taylor, library manager, by email at bobby.l.taylor@wv.gov or at 304-558-0230, ext. 163. Participants interested in registering by email should send their name, telephone number and the name and date of the session. For additional information, contact the Archives and History Library at 304-558-0230.

For more information about the Division's programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org.