Children’s response art to 9/11 is part of Memorial Museum’s collection

In the fall of 2001, New York University’s Child Study Center embarked on an ambitious project to study children's artwork triggered by 9/11. The artworks culminated in a book by Harry Abrams called  "The Day Our World Changed" and an exhibition that debuted at the Museum of the City of New York on the first anniversary of the attacks. The Museum recently acquired 56 of these art pieces, created by children between the ages of 5 and 18.

In times of emotional unrest, children often express themselves through art. Taped to firehouse and police station windows, tacked inside respite centers and ornamenting fences at the World Trade Center site, drawings and paintings created by this generation of youthful witnesses became a familiar sight throughout New York City in the aftermath of 9/11. Many children were starting their school day on September 11, 2001, experiencing the breaking news with their teachers and fellow classmates.  The shock was heightened by concern for the safety of children’s family members who worked in the World Trade Center or responded with the uniformed rescue services converging at the disaster scene. 

 We are grateful to the New York University Child Study Center for facilitating this important collection. Learn more >>

By 9/11 Memorial Staff