The Glass Town Cultural District in Sandwich Ma focuses on the center of town in Sandwich Village. The Sandwich Glass Museum serves as the focal point and a lens to tell the story of Glass Town. Whether photographing the picturesque Shawme Pond, watching live glass-blowing, or learning about our nation’s colonial history, visitors may easily spend a week in Sandwich and still have sites to enjoy. The historic Town Hall will soon house an art and culture nonprofit and the upstairs is a performance space with a stage. The Dexter Grist Mill and Hoxie House are living museums in the heart of the village. The Sandwich Public Library is the home of the town’s historic archives and offers cultural programming for various age groups. Heritage Museums and Gardens is a world-renowned attraction with a significant collection ofspecialty gardens and water features. Hidden Hollow™, an interactive family-friendly area, allows for play and exploration of the natural world. Heritage also has three gallery buildings housing automobiles, American folk art, historical artifacts, a vintage carousel, and special exhibitions. Historic inns, private residences, four architecturally significant church buildings, restaurants and shops are located in the District. Outdoor juried artisan shows, an antique market, and an annual Street Fair organized by the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce takes place yearly along the shore of Shawme Pond on Water St. There are two art galleries, a community of working artists and a Sandwich Arts Alliance that includes visual arts, literary arts and performance art. The focus on “Glass Town” connects the town’s history with its present, and weaves together both art and industry.
This is not your typical Cape town for there is something different here, rooted in history but continuing in the present day with a heritage of connection with its rich past. This is a place where artisanship and innovation and a sense of place can celebrate the beauty of the District in a natural setting. And all the while call attention to the ways it has been shaped by the hands and minds of those who came before.