Glass Pass

Glass Pass Offers Unique Discount Package to Nine Historic Glass Attractions

Marietta, Ohio (March 15, 2005) -- Whether you are a glass collector, a history buff or just looking for a unique road trip, then the Marietta, Ohio and Greater Parkersburg, West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureaus have just the ticket, or should we say pass, for you!

The Glass Pass is an exclusive ticket to a glass lover's pilgrimage all within a two-hour driving radius of Marietta and Parkersburg. The new 2005 pass provides individuals with special discounted admission to nine of the most historic and interesting glass attractions in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Glass attractions participating in the pass include: The Fenton Art Glass Factory & Museum in Williamstown, WV; Fostoria Glass Museum in Moundsville, WV; The Duncan & Miller Glass Museum in Washington, PA; Baker Family Museum in Caldwell, OH; The National Museum of Cambridge Glass in Cambridge, OH; Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum in Cambridge, OH; The National Heisey Glass Museum in Newark, OH; The Works - Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark, OH; and the National Imperial Glass Museum in Bellaire, OH.

"The glass pass serves as a unique passport guiding people through amazing collections of glass artistry and heritage in three states," said Kari Thompson, Greater Parkersburg CVB. "You even get a stamp at each glass location when you present the pass for an admission discount."

"Glass making has been a tradition and part of our local heritage for 100 years in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Kelly Dyar, Executive Director of the Marietta, Washington County CVB. “Heritage travelers stay longer and spend approximately 30% more than the average leisure traveler. Expanding the Glass Pass program into a multi-state trail is an excellent example of regional tourism and asset development that will attract visitors year round,” said Dyar.

"Fenton is delighted to participate in the special Glass Pass program." said Jena Blair, Fenton Gift Shop Group Tour Coordinator. "As we celebrate 100 years of Fenton Art Glass in 2005, Fenton is the perfect place to begin your glass lover's pilgrimage. We look forward to everyone visiting Fenton during this milestone year. Seeing is believing and our free factory tour is the perfect way to experience Fenton - where glassmaking comes to life!"

"What's great about the pass is that it never expires," said Thompson. "This allows people to truly enjoy all the locations at their own pace. All nine glass attractions can be experienced in one weekend or over the course of several weekends…even months."

The Glass Pass was the brainchild of Executive Director Debbie Robinson at the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB in Cambridge, OH.

"The Glass Pass program was created in 2002 to celebrate the glass industry in Ohio," said Robinson. "What began with only two counties, Guernsey and Licking (Ohio), who realized their commonalties and the importance of regional marketing, has grown in 2005 to nine glass attractions and museums representing three state.

The impact our program can have on our marketing efforts will be two-fold for the visitors to the tri-state area: they will discover the breadth and depth of the glass industry within the region and will also have the opportunity to experience countless other attractions, outdoor recreation and history the area has to offer."

"This is a great, close-to-home, road trip that all ages can enjoy year-round. It's also a great activity to share with visiting friends or relatives," said Thompson.

Copies of the Glass Pass are FREE and available by contacting the Marietta CVB office at 740-373-5178, via email at info@mariettaohio.org or the Bureau at 121 Putnam Street in historic downtown Marietta, Ohio.