Glassblowing, and glass, in general, has been a major part of my life. I was first introduced to glassblowing when I was a child, brought along by my mother to her glass shop at the University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Department. It was a scary experience at first, as I was taught that fire is dangerous and you should always be cautious around it. So, it was quite a shock when my mom showed me how she put her hand inches next to a torch spewing white-hot fire. But, as I grew more accustomed to her work, I began to see the art and skill that is part of glassblowing. While she is not an "artistic" glassblower, [as in those who design glass for consumer purchase (she makes glassware for chemistry students)], there is still a certain feel that the work requires. I am grateful that she taught me basic glassblowing skills and continues to teach me new techniques every summer. Attached is a video depicting her teaching glassblowing to undergraduate and graduate University of Pennsylvania Chemistry students. 

It is interesting to note that, from a social standpoint, my mom is one of 17 female research glassblowers in the United States. There are slightly less than 300 female glassblowers (across all fields). As is the case with many STEM-oriented fields, it seems like glassblowing is predominantly male. 




Looking at this statue one last time, it really makes you wonder about women's roles in the early days of Glassboro. They were the ones keeping glassblower's fed, housed, and healthy (in spite of their husband's working conditions). They supported their husbands through thick and thin and, certainly, completed a variety of crucial tasks throughout the borough. They absolutely deserve a spot in my memorial: we cannot forget the essential role they played in Glassboro's history. It is a shame and a fault of society that women are still not a large part of the glassblowing trade today. I have to say though, this makes me all the more proud of my mom. 

It has been amazing to do research about glassblowing in Glassboro. I'm so grateful I could do this topic; I feel like having glassblower parents really made me invested in my participatory research. There is a lot more research that can be done about this topic (talk to Rick Grenda) so I implore any future students to do their project(s) on the same / a similar topic. Interviewing my mom was fun and I think it added something to both this essay and my historical record. After reading my draft she told me there are some facts about glassblowing that even she didn't know! 

Also, a big thank you to Professor Kitson for the great suggestions that helped finalize this essay.

Thank you so much for reading,

Alex Carraro (A Modern Glassboro Glassblower)