Press Releases 2006

Wheaton Village Announces Name Change

CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director
TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108
FAX: (856) 825-2410
E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonvillage.org

WHEATON VILLAGE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE

MILLVILLE, NJ – Wheaton Village announced that it is formally changing its name to “Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center” effective July 1.

Susan Gogan, Wheaton Village president, explains, “The name Wheaton Village simply doesn’t represent the true nature of what this institution is, or the many ways we serve our multiple audiences. While the name ‘Wheaton’ reflects essential elements of who we are as an institution, including the legacy of our founder, our core glass programming, and our established national and international identity, the word ‘Village’ causes considerable confusion.”

The new institutional mission, “Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center engages artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity,” now incorporates the work of the Museum of American Glass, the Down Jersey Folklife Center, the Creative Glass Center of America and the Craft Studios, as well as the binding thread of creativity connecting the organization’s diverse programming.

“It is a mission of action, and one that recognizes how we have matured as an institution,” says Gogan. “It builds upon our long time commitment to celebrate and share the creative spirit of American glass and craft, while bringing meaning to the true nature of our work.” Along with the new name, a new logo has been developed.

A free open house for the community will take place on July 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to publicly unveil the new name and logo. The day will feature musical entertainment, a host of indoor and outdoor craft demonstrations, hands-on opportunities for kids and their families, plus food and refreshments.

Wheaton Village opened in 1970. Annual attendance is approximately 60,000. It is home to the Museum of American Glass, which has the most comprehensive collection of American glass in the country, Creative Glass Center of America, Down Jersey Folklife Center, Glass Studio in the T. C. Wheaton Glass Factory, Ceramics, Flameworking and Woodworking Studios, and five museum stores.

Programs include museum and gallery exhibits, interpretive demonstrations in various craft mediums, artist fellowships, community outreach and on-site school programs, and collector's seminars. In addition, several special events are scheduled throughout the year such as Marble Weekend and the Festival of Fine Craft.

Wheaton Village is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in January, February and March. Reduced admission rates in effect: $9.00 Adults, $8.00 Senior Citizens and $6.00 Students. Children five and under are free. The Crafts Studios are closed and the train is not in operation during these three months only. The Village resumes a six-day operating schedule on April 1. For more information, call 1-800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, or visit www.wheatonvillage.org.

Wheaton Village strives to make exhibits, events and programs accessible to all visitors. Call for details.

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, by funds from 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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