P.A.B. Widener was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for his significant contributions to education and the arts. He was born in 1885 and became a prominent figure in the Philadelphia area, where he made his fortune in the railroad industry. Widener was deeply committed to improving his community and supporting various charitable causes. Widener is perhaps most famously associated with the Widener Library at Harvard University, which was named in honor of his late son, Harry Elkins Widener. The library is one of the largest in the world and serves as a vital resource for students and researchers. P.A.B. Widener's legacy continues through his philanthropic efforts and the institutions he supported.