Museum Reflects on 25th Anniversary of 1993 World Trade Center
It’s hard to believe that this month marks the 25th anniversary of the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center.
At 12:18 p.m. on Feb. 26, 1993, terrorists drove a rental van into the World Trade Center’s below ground parking garage and detonated a bomb. Six innocent people were killed, including a pregnant woman. Just eight years later, terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the Twin Towers, killing nearly 3,000 people.
Because the attacks occurred less than a decade apart, many of the companies occupying the towers in 1993 still had offices there in 2001, which produced a unique population of “dual survivors” – people who survived both the 1993 and 2001 attacks. It’s difficult to process surviving one of these horrific days in the course of a lifetime, let alone two.
It’s core to our mission here at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to remember those who were killed and preserve the history of what happened that day. Throughout the month of February, the Museum is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1993 attack through exhibits, programs and events, and an anniversary ceremony.
On Monday, February 12, we’ll be holding a program that, to me, is a reminder of the incredible privilege of working for an institution that tells history through the eyes and voices of the people who experienced it firsthand.
It will include the personal stories of those who experienced the 1993 attack: we’ll hear from a man whose father was killed and a dual survivor of the 1993 and 9/11 attacks. Carl Selinger, who was trapped in a smoke-filled elevator for hours, will be reunited 25 years later with retired Sgt. Timothy Farrell of the NYPD, one of his rescuers.
The personal stories will be followed by a discussion hosted by our partners at VOICES of September 11th, focused on the continuum of stress, trauma and loss and the importance of commemoration and community to enhance resilience.
To join us for his special evening, please click here to register.
By Allison Blais, Chief Strategy Officer, 9/11 Memorial & Museum
On the cold winter morning of Feb. 26, 1993, Carl Selinger headed to work at the World Trade Center where he was employed by the Port Authority as the manager of business development for the aviation department.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, in partnership with VOICES of September 11th, will host a special program tonight for those affected by the 1993 and 9/11 attacks. “25 Years Later: The 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, Then and Now” will feature personal stories told by those who experienced the 1993 attack firsthand and discussion about long-term emotional recovery.