'The Most Distinguished Ancient Worthies of Our Country.'.

Shortly after its founding in 1812, the American Antiquarian Society (AAS) began collecting portraits of institutional leaders and prominent American figures as a visual recording of the society's history and of the broader American population. The AAS accepted portraits based on the subjects depicted, not because of the artists' talents. The rate of acquisitions slowed in the last half of the 19th century but increased after a member made an official call for portrait donations in 1920. After 1960 the AAS acquired portraits that represented the nation's diverse population. The society reached more viewers through participation in loan exhibitions, permitting copies, and issuing publications.