Day Trip to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum

More often than not, this monthly Day Trip column focuses on fun, entertaining, and lighthearted destinations that are an easy distance from the central New Jersey area, usually offering activities or attractions for every age group. This month’s topic is perhaps a bit more somber, but certainly no less important a place to visit, whether one were to go this month or at any other time, now or in the future. It is of particular significance for residents of our area and a recommended site for all ages – both for the older individuals among us who still remember a fateful day in our history, and for the youth of this and future generations, so they will learn about and recognize those who were lost.

This special destination is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located at the site of the World Trade Center Towers – which sadly became known as Ground Zero – in New York City. Designed as a national tribute of remembrance and honor to the thousands of men, women, and children killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 as well as the attack on February 26, 1993, it has been the topic of some controversy and delays as various plans and funding concerns have been debated, with input from numerous stakeholders, including the victims’ families. Construction began in 2006 and most of the memorial portion was completed in time for last year’s tenth anniversary of September 11, opening to the public the next day. Work continues at the site, with the museum opening still to come.

The National September 11 Memorial, the design of which was selected from over 5,200 entries from 63 countries all around the world, is the centerpiece of the eight-acre property. Its twin reflecting pools, in the footprints of the lost Towers, are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America – each abyss illustrating the huge void left by all that was lost and “Reflecting Absence.” The names of every one of the nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11 at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, along with those of the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, are inscribed in bronze panels that line the memorial pools. The surrounding plaza will eventually include more than 400 trees to symbolize hope and renewal, and there is a small clearing set aside for gatherings and special ceremonies. The cascading pools are meant to create a quiet, peaceful place for visitors’ contemplation and remembrance, and an escape from the noise and bustle of the city streets.

The National September 11 Memorial Museum, not yet completed but expected to open soon, will feature 110,000 square feet of exhibition space to be located in the archaeological heart of the World Trade Center site. This phase of the project will serve to tell the story of what occurred on September 11, on land and in the air, through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. The exhibit will explore the background leading up to the events, the aftermath, and the continuing implications. Also included will be the architectural history of the World Trade Center. Among the poignant artifacts are the so-called “Survivors’ Stairs,” a remnant of the Vesey Street staircase, down which hundreds fled and escaped with their lives. There are also portions of structural columns of the original Twin Towers and other building elements. Most heartbreaking of all are the personal items, letters, photos, clothing, memorabilia, and more that have been contributed by those who survived – and by the loved ones of those who did not.

The lives of every victim of the 2001 and 1993 attacks will be commemorated with portraits and profiles, giving guests the chance to learn about all of the men, women, and children who died on those horrific dates. Besides remembering the victims, the museum is also being planned to recognize and honor the thousands who survived and those who demonstrated extraordinary compassion, courage, and service in the aftermath during the search for victims and the efforts to rebuild. Each and every item showcased in this moving display is meant to remind the onlooker that “We Will Never Forget.”

Admittedly, a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum can be a difficult and emotional one, particularly for those of us for whom the memories remain fresh in our minds and hearts. But the testimonial is moving and the learning experience is vital. 

If you would like to first explore online, the memorial and museum’s website, www.911memorial.org, is a tremendous resource. It provides a wealth of information on every facet of the project, the events that transpired, audio and video presentations, interactive timelines, guidelines for visitors, lesson plans and teaching guides for students of every grade level, and how to get involved or donate to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.