Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Sulkowski.
Sherri, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The National Duncan Glass Society was established in 1975 and, since then, has maintained a permanent collection of ‘the loveliest glassware in America’, now displayed at the Duncan & Miller Glass Museum at 100 Ridge Ave, Washington Pa. The museum is open from March through December, Thursday through Sunday 10 am – 4 pm as well as by appointment. Educational events and tours are available to preschoolers through assisted living residents. The museum also has a Gift Shop.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While the road to our present location was not without challenges, the museum faces a very bright future with a building expansion project in the works. These plans may include a hot shop so that the original Duncan molds can be reproduced onsite.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My new title at the museum is now Events and Retail Manager after serving as the Special Events Coordinator for two years. In that time, we have offered many interesting events including a Vintage Bridal Shower Luncheon, floral shows, a Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Lunch & Learns. We also offer three children’s programs – Let’s Go Fishing, Be Our Guest and Set the Table, all featuring lessons about glassmaking and the use of the finished products in everyday life, both historically and in the present time. We also have a Swan Ball at the historic George Washington Hotel & Event Venue – it is an evening our guests look forward to year after year, filled with dinner, dancing, auctions and more.
I am most proud of the number of people we have reached who now have an interest in Duncan & Miller – many who have grown up in the area but did not realize the impact of the company on the city of Washington. Some estimates state that 70% of Washington’s citizens were employed in glassmaking at some point in their lives before the factory closed in 1955. The economic impact to those families cannot be underestimated!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very studious and made good grades. I loved spending time with my maternal grandmother. She fostered my interest in baking, sewing and other domestic skills. I still love to cook, entertain, knit and read.
Pricing:
- $10 Regular Admission Tour
- $8 Senior Admission Tour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://duncan-miller.org
- Instagram: dmmuseum
- Facebook: Duncan & Miller Glass Museum
