LEE FORMAN
The collection began in the late 1970s when Lee Forman, having graduated from American University with a degree in the Arts, began saving the new paper shopping bags from Bloomingdale's. Later an award-winning graphic artist, she became interested in the design and history of bags as the collection grew. She has lectured about bags as cultural icons and is included in Who's Who in America (2007).

HOWARD FORMAN
Co-founding trustee Howard Forman, following a career as principal owner of a large distribution business in Washington, D.C., administers the collection and budding museum on firm financial footing.