1442448000
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
How Elihu Yale Made His Fortune in India and Founded Yale University
Thursday, Sep. 17, 2015
06:30 PM – 07:30 PM
US/Central
Presented by historian and gem expert Benjamin Zucker, co-author of "Elihu Yale: Merchant, Collector & Patron"
This lecture traces the remarkable story of the Welsh merchant for whom Yale University is named. Elihu Yale (1649–1721) became governor of the British East India Company and made a fortune trading in diamonds, including some that were used in jewelry similar to the objects in Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait. He eventually amassed a collection of some 10,000 rare items, including Indian gems, furniture, and textiles.
In 1718, Yale donated the proceeds from selling a portion of his collection to establish an endowment at a college in New Haven, Connecticut, dedicated to preserving the traditions of European liberal education in the New World. The school, renamed Yale College, is now Yale University.
A book signing follows the lecture.
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HOURS & ADMISSION
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Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
- Monday (Except selected holidays) | Closed.
- Tuesday | Closed.
- Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day | Closed.
- • $5 MFAH Members • $10 Nonmembers Museum general admission is not needed.
Directions & Parking
- Law Building, Lower Level
Special Offers / Dining
Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.
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