See the World’s Largest Collection of Dorflinger Glass

With 659 residents and occupying a total area of 1.517 square miles, White Mills, PA seems like an ordinary small town. It is difficult to imagine this tiny municipality nestled in the Pocono Mountains played a critical role during the height of the industrial revolution. From the 1860s to the 1920s, White Mills was home to the world renowned Dorflinger Glass Works.

Founded in 1865 by Christian Dorflinger, the factory produced the world’s most exquisite cut lead crystal. The gorgeous glassware could be found on the tables of several White House administrations and in palaces across Europe. The Dorflinger Glass Factory transformed White Mills into a major industrial center, reaching 700 employees at its peak in 1903.

Explore this important time in American history by visiting the Dorflinger Glass Museum. The museum is home to the largest collection of Dorflinger glass, where you can see more than 1,000 pieces of cut, engraved, etched, gilded and enameled crystal.

You’ll see some of the world’s finest examples of glasswork, including an entire case dedicated to examples of Presidential glass commissioned by the White House. Among the collection is a red over colorless wine cut glass with the presidential seal engraved on it. This wine glass was part of an order placed by Mary Todd Lincoln to be used at the White House during Abraham Lincoln’s administration. 

You will also see several elaborate silver and glass items designed by Tiffany’s and created by Dorflinger for the wedding of William Vanderbilt and Virginia Fair.

The Glass Museum is located on the 600-acre Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary. When you’re finished exploring the museum’s treasures, enjoy a walk on one of the sanctuary’s many nature trails.

For more information on the museum, including hours of operation, visit http://dorflinger.org/dorflinger-glass-museum/.