Mount Vernon Cellar Bottle

Experience a piece of history with these faithful reproductions of glass bottles found in the cellar of Mount Vernon. Crafted by renowned blown glass artist John Shelton, each bottle is made using his own blend of sand, soda ash, and lime, capturing the vibrant hues and textures of 18th-century glass. Shelton’s dedication to the colonial process ensures that each bottle, standing approximately 8-10 inches tall and 5 inches in diameter, is truly unique—no two are exactly alike.

These bottles, historically known as "seconds," were not meant for display in the dining room or parlor. Instead, they played a practical role in preserving fruits like cherries, gooseberries, and currants. Recent archaeological excavations at Mount Vernon have uncovered 35 original bottles in the mansion cellar, with 29 still intact and filled with preserved fruits, offering valuable insights into 18th-century plantation foodways and the expertise of the enslaved community. This discovery, part of the $40 million Mansion Revitalization Project, enriches our understanding of early American cuisine and preservation techniques.