The 9/11 Tribute Center is growing its exhibits and programs to accommodate an increase in visitation; New exhibits will place greater emphasis on service and recovery from ordinary people who were inspired to serve others.
The 9/11 Tribute Center today announced that after 10 years – and almost 15 years after the attacks of September 11, 2001 – it will be moving to a new location in order to expand its mission, exhibits and programs. The 9/11 Tribute Center will serve 750,000 to 1 million visitors annually. The announcement was made on June 21 at 4 World Trade Center.
“For the past 10 years, the 9/11 Tribute Center has welcomed 4 million visitors from around the world to learn, hear and feel the personal stories of our community of family members, survivors, first responders, recovery workers, civilian volunteers and Lower Manhattan residents.” said Lee Ielpi, President of the Board of Directors for the September 11th Families’ Association and co-founder of the 9/11 Tribute Center. “As we focus on tomorrow, we have to let young people know that through an understanding of 9/11 they can learn the importance of service and contributing to their communities. They can remember and honor those who were lost on 9/11 by participating in acts of service. The expanded exhibits and programs will allow people from around the world to understand and then commit to acts of service to make a difference in their communities.”
The expanded 9/11 Tribute Center will include exhibits depicting the events of 9/11, the response, recovery and rebuilding, global outreach and “Seeds of Service.” Exhibitions will offer visitors an in- depth exploration of the personal stories from a range of individuals, learning about their experiences and how they responded to the challenges they faced. “This memorial pays tribute to the thousands of brave men and women who rushed into danger to save their fellow New Yorkers during our darkest days,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “While we can never repay our first responders for their sacrifice, the 9/11 Tribute Center is one small way we can show the world the depth of their courage.” This expansion and relocation will allow countless more residents, visitors and tourists to visit this intrepid museum and learn more about these extraordinary service men and women and the profound and enduring impact they have had on our city and state.
Jennifer Adams-Webb, CEO and co-founder of the 9/11 Tribute Center stated that “The mission will remain focused on the authentic stories of the 9/11 Community and expand to include the 9/11 Community as a model of recovery and inspiration for service. The 9/11 Tribute Center has trained a volunteer corps of over 800 community members who share their stories of recovery and resilience daily. Exhibitions will focus on the global connection of Lower Manhattan from early days of immigration to trade to development of skyscrapers. 30% of the exhibition content focus on the history of 9/11 and immediate aftermath, another 30% will focus on the long term emotional recovery & rebuilding and the final 30% will focus on the humanitarian activism in response, as 9/11 foundations are continuing an inspirational legacy of the unity and service of America. The digital interactive “Seeds of Service” will inspire visitors to make a commitment to volunteer and perform acts of charitable service.”
The enhanced exhibits will share the evolution of counterterrorism, as well as place additional emphasis on the responses and actions by countless ordinary New Yorkers and people from around the world who chose to help in the aftermath. Partners include City, State and Federal public safety and counterterrorism agencies. “The Tribute Center for ten years has shared with millions of people the truth and personal stories about September 11, fulfilling the critically important need that we never forget what happened that day,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “The Fire Department has been a close partner with the Tribute Center, and we are excited about this expansion, assuring that the truth about what happened, through new programs, exhibits and an expanded mission, will impact generations to come.”
“Through the various 9/11 memorials, dedications and ceremonies over the past 15 years, we have vowed that we will Never Forget those who were lost as a result of the 2001 tragedy, as well as those who answered the call to duty in the aftermath. The 9/11 Tribute Center will continue to ensure that we will Always Remember them,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. “By providing a testimonial venue with an educational, interactive and service-oriented environment, the legacy of 9/11 will go on with honor and purpose.”
“All of us who care about New York City understand how important it is to remember those who were lost in the 9/11 attacks, and the Tribute Center does an incredible job of preserving their memories,” said Joseph Sitt, CEO of Thor Equities, which owns the site of the new Tribute Center Museum. “We are honored to welcome the 9/11 Tribute Center to its new home at 88 Greenwich Street. Their ongoing commitment to the Financial District is a testament to the neighborhood’s continuing resurgence.”
Through oral history videos, immersive media, environmental graphics and selected artifacts accompanied by stories, visitors and students will gain a heightened understanding of and appreciation for public service, and a new awareness of our collective responsibility in the aftermath of any disaster. The exhibits are being designed by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership.
Within the new space, the 9/11 Tribute Center will continue its mission to support the 9/11 and Lower Manhattan communities, to preserve the history of the attacks and aftermath, and to provide education and resources on the global and continuing impact of 9/11.
