One of the more unusual barges in the world is on its way to Buffalo. The GlassBarge is a 30’ x 80’ canal barge that is outfitted with glassmaking equipment. While in Buffalo, at Canalside, the GlassBarge will host a series of free glassblowing demonstrations, designed to tell the story of glassmaking in Corning, NY. The barge tour is considered a signature event for the Erie Canal Bicentennial, which is a statewide celebration.

The GlassBarge features patented all-electric glassmaking equipment.

The historic significance of the glassmaking and the barge is interesting. The tour commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Brooklyn Flint Glass Company—now known as Corning Incorporated. When the Brooklyn Flint Glass Company was relocated to Corning, NY, the glassmaking equipment was transported via barge by using New York Waterways. Now, 150 years later, Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) is recreating that journey, while extending it to showcase the wonders of glassmaking to other communities that share those same NY waterways.

Adding another interesting aquatic angle, the Lois McClure will be making a stop into Buffalo, with an overlapping stay. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s full scale replica of an 1862-class sailing canal boat will be open to visitors, from 11am to 6pm on August 3, 4, and 5. Trained historians, educators, and archaeologists will be aboard The McClure, answering questions about the vessel, as well as the canal systems, and the backstory of the GlassBarge.

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GlassBarge Comes to Buffalo

August 3, 2018 – August 5, 2018

11am-6pm

Canalside | 44 Prime Street | Buffalo, NY 14202

Click here for additional details

Photo courtesy I Love NY