Graham Knowles, from Hartlebury, said he feels “enormous pride” after being named in the King’s New Year Honours list.
The 78-year-old said: “I’m honoured to be considered and it certainly wasn’t expected”.
Mr Knowles is the chairman of the British Glass Foundation, which recently opened a new state-of-the-art glass museum in Camp Hill, Wordsley after a campaign lasting more than a decade.
Mr Knowles and trustees took on the challenge back in 2009 to create a new museum to house the borough’s prestigious glass collection when Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford was earmarked for closure.
Mr Knowles added: “We have a great team of trustees and volunteers that have made it all happen and I’m just part of that really”.
Lynn Boleyn, secretary to the trustees of the British Glass Foundation, said: “I’m really proud with what Graham’s achieved and he thoroughly deserves the MBE.
“He headed up the charity which was formed when Dudley Council announced they were going to close Broadfield House Glass Museum back in 2009.
“He’s just been instrumental in persevering and pushing this forward and raising the money for the brand new glass museum over 12 years”.
Trustee Graham Fisher added: “I am delighted that Graham Knowles’ dedication has been recognised.
“His philanthropy has been considerable over many years across a number of areas.
“As chairman of the British Glass Foundation in particular he has played a monumental role in securing a new glass museum for Stourbridge and it is a privilege to serve under his continuing stewardship.
“Bravo, sir.”