One unexpected yet fascinating component of West Virginia history is glass. Few people realize how many different types of glass and glassware are (or have been) produced in the state. In fact, roughly 400 glassmakers have called West Virginia home since the end of the 19th century, including one known as Fostoria. Have you heard of this line of fine glassware? Whether you have or you haven’t, you’ll want to pay a visit to a museum in Moundsville that honors the Fostoria Glass Company’s legacy with rows upon rows of beautiful, colorful, luxurious glass.
Welcome to Moundsville, West Virginia, home of the Grave Creek Adena Mound, the Moundsville Penitentiary, and the Fostoria Glass Museum.
And while you might have often heard of two of the three aforementioned Moundsville attractions, chances are good that you aren't as familiar with the Fostoria Glass Museum. You should be, though, because Fostoria glass is some of the finest in the world - truly "The Glass of Fashion."
And with two floors brimming with Fostoria Glassware, the Fostoria Glass Museum is the place to go to learn more about this remarkable Made-In-West Virginia product line.
Why Moundsville? Because Fostoria Glass Factory - which was originally founded in Fostoria, Ohio - relocated to Moundsville in 1891. It didn't close until 1986, producing up to eight million pieces a year of blown, etched, and pressed glass for nearly 100 years.
But what's so special about Fostoria glass anyway? For starters, it was the first company to produce a complete line of dinner services in crystal. For awhile, Fostoria was the largest handmade glassware producer in the nation. American Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan all used Fostoria glass products. Their "American" glass pattern was the most successful glass pattern in history.
Come see for yourself what the fuss is all about. The Fostoria Glass Museum is located in the historic Anna B. Smith House at 511 Tomlinson Avenue. The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in March through November.
