Arthur A. Houghton, Jr. and the Library of Congress-Introduction by Gil Sweet

It is well known in the Corning area that Arthur A. Houghton, Jr. was curator of rare books at the Library of Congress.  But what does that mean?  How long was his association with that important cultural institution?  And why did Archibald MacLeish, the famed poet and newly appointed Librarian of Congress make an appointment that can be fairly described as controversial when he barely knew the young man?  In hindsight, was it a wise move on MacLeish’s part, and how, if at all, did the Library benefit from Houghton’s involvement?  Those are questions that puzzled a former Library of Congress employee upon moving to Corning.  As he delved into Houghton’s legacy at the Library, a fascinating story was discovered that presages many of Houghton’s later accomplishments in the fields of education and the cultural arts.