Walkable Wonders: Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe

The Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe is a local museum capturing and celebrating the role that Tiffin played in the glass industry. The Tiffin Glass Factory, which was in operation from 1889 to 1984, was unlike many other glass factories at the time, in that it was a mass producer of hand-blown glass objects. In other factories across the country (and world) durability and the ability to use molds began to rise in popularity. Tiffin, however, continued in the tradition of artistic glass making, which solidified its place in the glass industry of the 1900’s. 

Like many manufacturers at the time, Tiffin’s Glass Factory produced a line of “Uranium Glass,” which glows under black light due to, unsurprisingly, the level of uranium oxide within the glass. Unlike other manufacturers, Tiffin also made its own color-changing glass, called “Tiffin Twilight.” The glass is mostly transparent, with a tint that changes between purple and blue based on the type of lighting. I found a set of 8 Tiffin Twilight plates on Ebay, in fair condition, going for near $400. (You know it’s serious when they offer a payment plan.) Both types of glass can be seen at the museum, and their effects under different light is something that the volunteers are very proud to show you.

The Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe is completely run by volunteers, and is funded by selling some pieces of historic Tiffin Glass. For collectors, I have yet to see a cheaper way to purchase Tiffin Glass. For students looking to volunteer, to intern, or to learn more about the town, Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe is a great place to start.

Tiffin Glass Museum & Shoppe is a 12 minute walk away from the center of Heidelberg’s campus. It is located on South Washington Street, across the street from the Ritz Theatre. For more information on them, check out their website.