Press Releases 2005

New Docent Classes Start April 4

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN GLASS OFFERS DOCENT CLASSES

MILLVILLE, NJ - Gay LeCleire Taylor, Museum of American Glass curator, will present an intensive series of docent training classes beginning April 4. Art teachers and enthusiasts, retired educators, individuals with experience in the region’s glass industry, people interested in this area’s artistic and cultural history, and individuals who enjoy interacting with visitors should consider attending.

Completion of the nine-week program, encompassing all aspects of the museum’s collections, plus glass history and processes, will prepare individuals for volunteer docent positions with the museum. Those who commit to the classes should plan to attend regularly and, after participation in tours led by experienced docents and guidance from museum staff, be willing to conduct tours.

Although the classes are offered to potential docents free of charge, those interested in participating must register as a volunteer before the classes begin.

The dates are: April 4…The History of Wheaton Village and the Museum of American Glass, The History of Glass; April 11…What is Glass? Raw Materials, Fuel, Process, Technology; April 18…Early American Glass Factories - Wistar, Steigel, Amelung; Foreign Competition, Window Glass and Bottles, South Jersey Tradition; April 25…Victorian Art Glass; May 2…New Jersey Glass, Paperweights; May 9…Pressed Glass, Cut Glass; May 16…Art Nouveau; May 23…Collectible Glass of the 1920s - 1970s, including Carnival and Depression; and May 30 (may be rescheduled due to the holiday) Contemporary Studio Glass.

The Museum of American Glass houses the most comprehensive collection of American glass in the country. Over 6,500 objects are on display, ranging from Early American bottles and flasks, Mason jars and paperweights, to Tiffany masterpieces and contemporary studio art glass.

Classes are conducted in the museum from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call Doris Abeling, Volunteer Coordinator, in the Volunteer Office at 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, extension 104, or visit www.wheatonvillage.org.

Wheaton Village strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for special accommodations.

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

Wheaton Village received a general operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.

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