Event: Groundbreaking Reenactment April 26th 2025

The show must go on!! And what a wonderful show it was. The festivities got off to a rollicking start with the cheery sound of the Sandwich Town Crier (the beloved Bob King)'s bell. To the chorus of "Hear Ye! Hear Ye!", Bob led all costumed participants on a parade through the museum galleries.

Featured in the procession was Charles Holden, Chair of the Select Board of the Town of Sandwich.

Once we were all assembled in the auditorium, Charlie read aloud the following Official Proclamation:

Town of Sandwich, Massachusetts
Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Town of Sandwich is proud to recognize the Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum for their exceptional dedication to preserving and sharing the rich history of glassmaking in our community; and

WHEREAS, 2025 marks the bicentennial celebration of glassmaking in Sandwich, a tradition that began in 1825 with the establishment of the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, shaping the town’s cultural and economic heritage; and

WHEREAS, the Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum have been steadfast stewards of this legacy, educating residents and visitors alike through exhibitions, programs, and events that highlight the artistry, craftsmanship, and historical significance of Sandwich glass; and

WHEREAS, through their efforts, the Sandwich Glass Museum continues to illuminate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of generations of glassmakers, ensuring that this important aspect of our town’s identity remains vibrant and celebrated; and

WHEREAS, their leadership in commemorating 200 years of glassmaking in Sandwich fosters community pride, promotes cultural tourism, and inspires future generations to appreciate and engage with our town’s artistic and industrial heritage;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Select Board of the Town of Sandwich, do hereby recognize and commend the Sandwich Historical Society and its Glass Museum for their outstanding contributions to the preservation, education, and celebration of Sandwich’s glassmaking history.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the Seal of the Town of Sandwich to be affixed this 26th day of April, 2025.

At this point, John Kennan, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Sandwich Historical Society and Glass Museum, playing the role of Deming Jarves, entrepreneur and founder of the new glass factory company, stepped up.

Here is what he had to say:

Good day to you all.
I am honored to accept this proclamation from this town. It is a recognition not just of a factory once built, but of a vision that took root and grew into something lasting.
This museum stands as more than collection—it is a reflection of the hands, the heat, and the hope that shaped both glass and community. It honors the artistry, the industry, and the spirit that defined our work.
This is a tribute to all who built, all who toiled, and all who continue to remember.
Let’s step back in time to share what it must have been like at the groundbreaking ceremony in 1825.

Friends, neighbors—
Today we lay the first stones of what I hope will become the very heart of Sandwich. This is more than a factory. It is a place where fire and sand will meet to create something finer—glass not just as utility, but as art.
I chose this town not for its sand, but for its spirit—for its promise. With the sea at our back, wood in our hands, and ambition in our bones, we will build not just a business, but a legacy.
If we succeed, this glassworks will shape more than glass—it will shape lives, trades, and the future of this town.
Let the work begin!

And then the camera bulbs started popping!

Then we transitioned to a Museum fundraising auction of "Red Obsidian", an exquisite art piece created by Yukimi Matsumoto of the McDermott Glass Studio back in March at our Women in Glassmaking History event.

The auction was exciting, and the winner was absolutely thrilled!

Then the food was served and the drinks started flowing, and the party truly got underway. 

We even had a delightful musical duo, the Al Mackay Allstars, providing period-appropriate musical entertainment

And the selfie booth was popular too!  Dressing up with hats, bonnets and scarves is as fun as it sounds.

All in all, it was a wonderful celebration of the 200th anniversary of industrial glass making in the Town of Sandwich MA.