In 1982 and 1983, Jamie Cope initiated a project to photograph distinguished Bostonians over the age of 65. Many of the subjects of these photographs have since passed on, so this exhibit commemorates their contributions. Subjects include a Boston Symphony conductor, renowned economist, business leaders, the founder of the New England Aquarium and artists.

The first exhibition of the photographs was held in May of 1983 at the Boston Public Library. This project was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through the New England Foundation for the Arts and traveled throughout the United States.

The portfolio of Boston’s Elder Men & Women of Achievement has been purchased by the Boston Public Library and is held in the Photography Collection of the Print Department.

In the words of the photographer, Jamie Cope, “The purpose of this collection is to honor the dedication, integrity, and effort these elder Bostonians devoted to the creation and growth of Boston. All the participants were sixty-five or older and many of them in their eighties, yet they were still actively involved in their careers, committed to their community, and open to new ideas. I was honored to photograph these extraordinary individuals.”

In addition to the portraits by Jamie Cope, an accompanying exhibit to Portraits of Distinguished Bostonians will be on display, a small but wonderful selection of portraits from the Print Department’s photo collections.

Portraits of Distinguished Bostonians is on display in the McKim Building’s third floor Wiggin Gallery through March 14th.