New Bremen Glassmanufactory

factory, Maryland, United States

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July 1, 2026

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The New Bremen Glassmanufactory was a significant early American glassworks established near Frederick, Maryland, by John Frederick Amelung. Originally from Germany, Amelung was persuaded to found this industry in the United States, aiming to create a self-sufficient community by importing German glassworkers and craftsmen.12

The factory, which operated from 1784 to about 1795, produced hollow ware and was supported by prominent figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Despite initial encouragement and the proposal of a protective tariff, the enterprise ultimately failed to prosper and petitioned Congress for aid, which was ultimately denied. Few authenticated pieces of Amelung glass survive, primarily presentation items with engraved decorations.12

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Amelung glass
…American promoters, Amelung founded the New Bremen Glassmanufactory near Frederick, Md., U.S., and attempted to establish a self-sufficient community, importing glassworkers and other craftsmen from Germany. The enterprise was encouraged by such men as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and in 1789 a duty on window and other…
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…American promoters, Amelung founded the New Bremen Glassmanufactory near Frederick, Md., U.S., and attempted to establish a self-sufficient community, importing glassworkers and other craftsmen from Germany. The enterprise was encouraged by such men as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and in 1789 a duty on window and other…
Read More

glassware
Post-Revolutionary glassworks
…the notable exception of the New Bremen Glassmanufactory, most of the offhand (i.e., shaped by hand) pieces that can be tentatively assigned to them are of the South Jersey tradition. Three of these enterprises are of particular importance. First, the New Bremen (Maryland) Glassmanufactory, founded by John Frederick Amelung and…
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…the notable exception of the New Bremen Glassmanufactory, most of the offhand (i.e., shaped by hand) pieces that can be tentatively assigned to them are of the South Jersey tradition. Three of these enterprises are of particular importance. First, the New Bremen (Maryland) Glassmanufactory, founded by John Frederick Amelung and…
Read More