Kiln Firing

See something very special happening in the Potter’s Shop located in our 19th-century Historic Village – we’re going to be firing the wood-fired kiln! Genesee Country Village & Museum is the only living history museum in the Northeast that fires salt-glazed stoneware in a wood-fired kiln as it was done in the 19th century. Join us on this exciting day to experience this unique historical happening! Starting early in the morning, the kiln (filled with newly crafted ceramic pieces) will be bricked up and lit. The flames will be stoked continuously throughout the day. The end temperature will reach nearly 2300°, which will mature the clay, turn the cobalt decoration into the traditional blue, and create a glazed surface by introducing salt into the firebox during the last hour of firing. After cooling for quite some time, these brand-new pieces will make their way to the Flint Hill Store and Village Mercantile, where they will be available for purchase!