WheatonArts and Cultural Center near Atlantic City, NJ started years ago when it was still referred to as Wheaton Village. The glass industry started in New Jersey with the first glass factory being started in 1789. In 1888, Dr. Theodore Wheaton started making his own pharmaceutical bottles. It is with this beginning that Wheaton USA, the large glass manufacturer was started.
In the 1960s, Frank Wheaton, his grandson went to New York and while visiting museums, discovered that much of the glass pieces he was seeing displayed in New York were actually made in New Jersey. He felt these masterpieces should be displayed where they were produced. He made it his goal to start WheatonArts and with a collection of American glass he got from a museum in Pennsylvania, the WheatonArts had begun. What started as a small WheatonArts shop in his home has turned into a large company with 20 buildings on over 60 acres now called WheatonArts and Cultural Center. You will find some very popular and well-known attractions such as Christmas Shop, 1876 Centre Grove Schoolhouse, etc.
WheatonArts today is know not only locally buy nationally as well because of their programs, exhibitions, collections and seminars. They have the reputation for being the Creative Glass Center of the World and offer help and classes to artists wishing to further their education and creativity in the art of glass making.
WheatonArts also has museum stores for you to browse through for many of your needs. The stores include the General Store, Christmas Shop, AG Paperweight Shop, Brownstone Emporium and Gallery of Fine Craft.
