Oil painting, 72" x 35" with frame.

Jane Claflin (1916 - 2020) graduated from Tulane University in 1938. Her relationship with the Massachusetts General Hospital began in the late 1950's when she joined the Ladies Visiting Committee , and she was elected Chairman of the organization in 1961. Mrs. Claflin also became the Chairman of the Volunteer Service Committee in 1971. She served as an MGH Trustee from 1973 to 1989, and today Mrs. Claflin remains an Honorary Trustee of the hospital. For nearly 50 years, she raised millions of dollars in charitable gifts for hospital facilities, people, and programs.

In 1993, the Women in Academic Medicine Committee , originally chaired by Mrs. Claflin, was established to help support the academic careers of women in science at the MGH. In recognition of the obstacles women researchers face during their child-rearing years, the committee, along with the sponsorship of the Executive Committee on Research, established the Claflin Awards in 1997 in honor of Mrs. Claflin. Furthermore, The Jane D. Claflin Room on Bulfinch 2 was named in her honor.

In 2002, on behalf of the MGH Board of Trustees, Edward P. Lawrence, chairman of the board, presented to Jane Claflin the prestigious Trustees Medal , a special honor only given five times in the past and only twice before to individuals associated with the hospital.

"The MGH has no advocate, friend or supporter more effective, loyal and good-hearted than Jane Claflin. The hospital is a much richer place because of her unwavering devotion and indomitable spirit."- Dr. James J. Mongan, a former president of the MGH)

“She is in a class by herself. She gets results. She’s paid attention to. It’s hard to be heard here- the place is so big and people have their own agendas- but she breaks through all that.”- Patricia Rowell, director of volunteers and interpreter services at the MGH

If you have any additional information on any of the items on this website that you would like to share with us or if you believe that any of the information we have provided may be inaccurate, please e-mail mghhistory@partners.org.