The first glassware used by the colonists was imported English, Venetian, and Dutch ware, and probably only a few wealthy individuals could afford such amenities. But by the early 18th century, English glassware was common in upper-class homes, especially in cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

The glassware collection in the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum is representative not only of early American but contains exquisite pieces of finest European glassware.

     Since earliest times, glass has been admired for its delicate yet enduring beauty.

Ordinary utensils made of glass - tumblers, pitchers, and bowls - are often transformed into objects of art. Small wonder that glass collecting ranks as the third most popular field of collecting in the united States, surpassed only by coins and stamps.

     Where can you view rare pieces of signed Tiffany, Loetz, Webb, Mosher, Lalique, Northwood, and others? You may also see a rare one-of-a-kind waste set and beautifully designed water sets or enjoy pieces of glassware signed C.T. Germany depicting Napoleon and central figures in his life. You may view the President Garfield collection, created in remembrance of his untimely death. The McMinn County Living Heritage Museum houses an extensive collection of rare American and European glassware highlighted by exquisite Pairpoint epergnes. The collection of more that one hundred pieces covers two centuries of glass works made by the most noted artisans of their time.