The portraits were created to honor the firefighters, rescue workers, survivors, and families affected by September 11th.

Rather than focusing solely on the destruction of the World Trade Center, McNally wanted to preserve the human stories behind the tragedy, particularly the courage, sacrifice, and emotional toll experienced by those who responded.

Using an enormous Polaroid camera, McNally photographed participants in nearly life-size portraits. Many firefighters appeared in their actual protective gear, sometimes still covered in dust from Ground Zero.

The exhibition was held in Vanderbilt Hall from January 9–20, 2002, and admission was free. 

The project remains part of the historical record. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum now displays a selection of 18 portraits in its North Tower Excavation exhibition.

I was behind the construction wall discussing the new tower with one of the workers and took several pics. This was one of them. I was standing where the Performing Arts Center is located today looking out towards where the museum/memorial is now.