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Fifty years ago, a chance meeting between two passionate artisans sparked the beginning of something extraordinary. Fred Danforth, a young woodworker from Ohio with dreams of becoming a master craftsman, had moved to Vermont in his 20s. There, he met Judi Whipple, a talented metalworker with a deep appreciation for the art of pewter.

Judi’s passion ran deep—so deep that she was well-versed in the legacy of the early American Danforth pewterers. She was intrigued to learn that Fred shared their name, and one day told him, perhaps half-joking, that as a Danforth, he simply had to try working with pewter.

Whether it was fate or just good timing, Fred took her advice to heart. The two soon traveled to Nova Scotia to apprentice with experienced pewter artisans, immersing themselves in the age-old craft. When they returned to Vermont, they opened a workshop in an old dairy barn in Woodstock, combining their skills—Fred’s love for shaping holloware on a lathe and Judi’s talent for carving jewelry and ornament designs—into what would become Danforth Pewter.

Shown: Fred shaping pewter by hand at the lathe, early days in Woodstock, VT.

From the very beginning, Danforth has been a family-run—and family-like—business, rooted in the belief that working with your hands creates something truly lasting. Every piece is crafted with care, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Today, our oil lamps, jewelry, tumblers, picture frames, candlesticks, ornaments, and other heirlooms are known not just for their beauty, but for the stories they carry.

Some of the earliest Danforth pieces, made in colonial America, now live in the Smithsonian, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Winterthur Museum, Colonial Williamsburg, and other historical institutions. We’re honored to continue this rich tradition of American craftsmanship, bringing it into the homes and lives of people across the country and around the world.

Join Us in Celebrating 50 Years!

As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with gratitude—for the creativity that sparked it all, for the craftsmanship that sustains it, and most of all, for the community that supports it. To thank you for being part of the Danforth story, we’re celebrating with a very special giveaway:

Monthly Prizes: Each month (May-December 2025), we’ll give away a stunning handcrafted item.

Grand Prize: An all-expenses-paid trip for two to beautiful Middlebury, Vermont—home of our workshop, our artisans, and the heart of Danforth Pewter.

Click here to enter! Visit danforthpewter.com/contest for complete rules.

This is our way of saying thank you—for 50 years of believing in the power of handmade, for supporting American artistry, and for helping us carry this legacy forward. We're proud to be a part of your traditions!