PORTLAND WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Look to the Sea and Find Yourself: The Lure & Lore of Sea Glass Workshop
A presentation and exploration with author Roxie Zwicker into New England’s sea glass — where shards speak of shipwrecks, medicine bottles and vanished amusement parks, and why this guide is useful for beach‑combing seekers.
Look to the Sea and Find Yourself: The Lure & Lore of Sea Glass Workshop.
Adventure brief
Look to the Sea and Find Yourself: The Lure & Lore of Sea Glass Workshop
Get ahead of the beach‑combing season with a compact workshop and exploration led by author Roxie Zwicker. The session traces the lure of beach‑combing from colonial times through shipwrecks, storms and maritime mysteries, and explains how fragments of frosty glass map the region’s human and industrial past.
The New England coast is a treasure trove for collectors and curiosity seekers, and the Sea Glass Workshop offers a unique hands-on experience that immerses visitors in the enchanting world of ocean-smoothed glass. Located along the rocky shoreline, this workshop is perfect for those looking to uncover the stories behind washed-up glass shards and craft their own nautical keepsakes. The coastline’s rugged charm is complemented by the shimmering fragments of glass, which have been tumbled and polished by years of pounding surf and shifting sands. Participants will learn about the geology and history of sea glass, discovering how it accumulates along beaches during shipping eras, shipwrecks, and fishing traditions. Each piece tells a story—whether it’s from an antique bottle or a broken window that once graced a seaside home. The workshop emphasizes eco-friendly gathering practices, ensuring the pristine quality of the shoreline is maintained for future generations.
This experience isn’t just about finding glass; it’s about connecting with the area’s maritime past and transforming found treasures into beautiful jewelry or decorative art. The local community supports sustainable collecting, encouraging visitors to choose pieces thoughtfully and leave minimal disturbance. The rustic coastal setting provides a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere—perfect for crafting while soaking up sea breezes and listening to the ocean’s rhythmic roar.
For travelers staying in nearby Portland, this workshop offers a memorable blend of hands-on activity and coastal discovery. It’s a captivating way to spend a day immersed in New England’s maritime culture, learning a craft that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. Whether you’re a casual collector or an aspiring artisan, the Sea Glass Workshop welcomes all to participate in this centuries-old shoreline tradition. It’s a distinctive, artful experience that highlights the enduring charm of New England’s rocky coasts, making it a stand-out activity for anyone passionate about the sea and its stories.
Route Schematic
Route & Stops
The event is a compact, shop‑based presentation with a short takeaway and opportunities to buy books or collect small mementos.
Meeting at New England Curiosities Shop
Gather at the New England Curiosities Shop in the Mall at Fox Run, Newington, NH for check‑in and the start of the workshop.
Presentation: The Lure & Lore
Roxie Zwicker delivers a presentation on the history, origins and identifying clues of sea glass across New England.
Takeaway table and books
After the presentation, guests may purchase books and will receive a bag of beach‑found treasures to take home.
No participant age, health or physical restrictions were specified in the verified event details; check with the operator for any updates or special accommodations.
What the day feels like
What this workshop feels like
Expect a focused presentation and exploratory conversation: Zwicker presents the lore and provenance of sea glass, links specific colors and shards to historical sources, and points participants toward the New England places most likely to yield meaningful finds.
THE HISTORY
Glints of New England’s maritime past
Sea glass here is more than pretty debris: cobalt blue shards often come from medicine bottles around Boston Harbor, while shipwrecks, storms and coastal industry across New England have seeded beaches with pieces that tell local stories—from Rockport’s liquor raids to rumored treasures of Captain Kidd in Jamestown.
THE GUIDE
Roxie Zwicker’s eye for clues
Author Roxie Zwicker walks participants through the secret clues hidden in colorful glass—its colors and textures point to origins and eras—and lays out where in New England to look for the best finds.
THE TAKEAWAY
A tangible reminder of the workshop
The workshop is affordably priced and practical: each guest leaves with a bag of beach‑found treasures, and books by the author will be available for purchase after the event.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits — and what to expect in terms of access and physical demand.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No specific gear list was provided; bring curiosity and any questions for the author. Books will be available for purchase and each attendee receives a bag of found treasures.
Meeting point is the New England Curiosities Shop at the Mall at Fox Run in Newington, NH; arrive at the shop for check‑in.
The session is affordably priced at $20 per person.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the workshop meet?
At the New England Curiosities Shop in the Mall at Fox Run, Newington, NH.
Who leads the workshop?
Author Roxie Zwicker leads the presentation and exploration.
What will I learn at the event?
The workshop covers the lure of beach‑combing, the origins of different colors and types of sea glass, and the best New England places to look for them.
How much does the workshop cost?
The event is priced at $20 per person.
Will there be something to take home?
Yes — each guest will receive a bag of beach‑found treasures, and books will be available for purchase after the event.
Are books available from the author?
Books by the author will be available for purchase following the presentation.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-02T02:36:14.325Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.