Arthur D. Houghton

Arthur D. Houghton, botanist and politician

Arthur D. Houghton

Arthur D. Houghton was a prominent American industrialist and philanthropist, best known for his contributions to the Corning Glass Works and his extensive philanthropic efforts. He was born on April 12, 1906, and passed away on April 1, 1990.

Early Life and Education

Arthur D. Houghton was born into the influential Houghton family, which had a long history of involvement with the Corning Glass Works. He attended the Harvard College, where he earned his degree in 1929. Following his graduation, Houghton joined the family business, quickly rising through the ranks due to his innovative ideas and leadership skills.

Career at Corning Glass Works

Houghton began his career at Corning Glass Works in the early 1930s. He played a crucial role in the development and commercialization of several groundbreaking glass technologies. Under his leadership, Corning introduced Pyrex, a line of heat-resistant glassware that became a household name. Houghton also oversaw the development of CorningWare, another popular product line.

In addition to his work with consumer products, Houghton was instrumental in advancing Corning's industrial and scientific glass technologies. His efforts helped position Corning as a leader in the field of specialty glass and ceramics.

Philanthropy

Arthur D. Houghton was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous cultural, educational, and scientific institutions. He was a major benefactor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he served as a trustee for many years. Houghton also supported the Harvard College and the Corning Museum of Glass, which houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of glass art and history.

Personal Life

Houghton married Elizabeth Douglas Houghton, and the couple had three children. He was known for his passion for art and history, which was reflected in his extensive personal collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Legacy

Arthur D. Houghton's contributions to the glass industry and his philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact. His work at Corning Glass Works helped shape the modern glass industry, and his support for cultural and educational institutions continues to benefit future generations.

Related Pages

• Corning Incorporated
• Pyrex
• CorningWare
• Houghton family
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Harvard University
• Corning Museum of Glass