WASHINGTON — On Sept. 26, 2014, the Newseum will open its newest exhibit, “The Boomer List: Photographs by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders,” featuring 19 large-format portraits of influential baby boomers — one born each year of the baby boom, from 1946 to 1964. Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (“The Black List,” “The Latino List” and “The Out List”) chose as his subjects boomers who reflect the depth, diversity and talent of their generation. The exhibit, created in partnership with AARP, will be on display at the Newseum through July 5, 2015.

Baby boomers have had a profound impact on the world, shaking up attitudes about sex, race and politics, and leaving their mark on everything from science and technology to art and music. The 19 men and women selected for “The Boomer List” are:

1946: Tim O’Brien, Vietnam veteran and author

1947: Deepak Chopra, New Age guru and physician

1948: Samuel L. Jackson, actor and producer

1949: Billy Joel, singer, songwriter and musician

1950: Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer

1951: Tommy Hilfiger, fashion designer

1952: Amy Tan, author

1953: Eve Ensler, playwright, performer and activist

1954: Julieanna Richardson, founder of The HistoryMakers

1955: Maria Shriver, journalist, producer and author

1956: Kim Cattrall, actress, producer and author

1957: Virginia “Ginni” Rometty, chairman, president and CEO of IBM

1958: Ellen Ochoa, astronaut

1959: Ronnie Lott, Pro Football Hall of Famer

1960: Erin Brockovich, environmental activist

1961: Peter Staley, gay rights activist

1962: Rosie O’Donnell, comedian, actress and talk-show host

1963: David LaChapelle, photographer and filmmaker

1964: John Leguizamo, comedian, actor and producer

“Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’s striking images showcase 19 people who’ve had a profound impact not just within their generation, but on the entire American experience,” said Cathy Trost, senior vice president of exhibits and programs at the Newseum. “This year, as the last of the boomers turn 50, these remarkable individuals and their stories offer revealing perspectives on the news and events that continue to shape our culture today.”

In addition to the 19 portraits, a timeline of historic events that defined the baby boom generation will be displayed, featuring newsmagazines from the Newseum collection plus more than 30 iconic boomer objects, including a copy of Dr. Benjamin Spock’s parental advice book, “Baby and Child Care,” an original 1959 Barbie doll, a 1964 G.I. Joe action figure, a transistor radio and a U.S. Army draft card from 1965. The artifacts illustrate the news events and pop culture moments that defined the baby boom generation, from its start in 1946 until 1982, when the last boomers turned 18. Visitors are invited to add their baby boom memories to the timeline. In addition, an interactive kiosk will allow visitors to explore exclusive behind-the-scenes images of Greenfield-Sanders’s photo shoots.

“The Boomer List” also will feature a scent station with memorable aromas familiar to the baby boom generation. A first for the Newseum, the station will include whiffs of baby powder, to represent the 76 million-plus babies born between 1946 and 1964; fresh-cut grass, a reminder of the boomers’ move to the suburbs; and incense, evoking the musky smell of rebellion, flower power and love-ins.

In addition to the exhibit, a new “American Masters” documentary film, “The Boomer List,” will premiere nationwide on Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). The film will be shown in the Newseum’s Documentary Theater on Sept. 26, the opening day of the “Boomer List” exhibit, and twice a day on weekends throughout the run of the exhibit. A companion coffee-table book, published by Luxury Press, and a DVD from Perfect Day Films will be available Oct. 1.

“The Boomer List” is sponsored by AARP and is part of its Boomers@50+ initiative, a yearlong celebration of the last of the baby boomers turning 50 in 2014.

About the Newseum

The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through education, information and entertainment. One of the top attractions in Washington, D.C., the Newseum’s 250,000-square-foot news museum offers visitors a state-of-the-art experience that blends news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. The Newseum Institute serves as a forum for First Amendment study, exploration and education. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. For more information, visit newseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org;AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

Media Contact: 

Jonathan Thompson

202/292-6353

jothompson@newseum.org