The MEMO Blog

The official blog of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum features stories of commemoration and memorialization, and information on our public programs, special events, and ways to get involved.

Dozens of square tiles that are varying shades of blue are seen up close in Memorial Hall.
Photo by Dan Winters

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July 4 at the 9/11 Memorial

July 1, 2021

Our annual July 4 tradition continues Sunday, when volunteers will place 2,983 American flags in the engraved names on the 9/11 Memorial, in honor of those killed on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

Visionary Network Launches Community Memorial Beautification Initiative

June 28, 2021

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visionary Network has launched an initiative aimed at restoring and cleaning local memorials across the country. Volunteers are already hard at work, planting commemorative trees and connecting with their communities ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.    

Recap: “20 Years Since 9/11: Confronting the Challenges of Recovery”

June 3, 2021

In conversation with Clifford Chanin, executive vice president and deputy director for museum programs, the program participants shared their personal recollections of 9/11 and its aftermath and discussed the devastating health issues affecting the rescue and recovery community nearly 20 years after the attacks.

9/11 Memorial Marks the 19th Anniversary of the End of the Rescue and Recovery Effort

June 1, 2021

On Sunday, May 30, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum observed an intimate commemorative moment to mark the 19th anniversary of the end of the nine-month rescue, recovery, and relief effort at the World Trade Center site and the two-year anniversary of the 9/11 Memorial Glade dedication.

Exploring the Markings on the Last Column

May 26, 2021

Recovery workers, as well as relatives and friends of victims, affixed mementos and wrote inscriptions on the last column to be cut from the World Trade Center site, filling its surfaces to honor those lost. Now standing in Foundation Hall, the column still bears the markings and memorial tributes. In advance of the 19th anniversary of the end of the rescue and recovery effort, we highlight a few of these markings and tributes and their significance.

Mourning Brooklyn-Based Artist Samuel Kaplan Whose Painting Is Newly on Display

May 24, 2021

The 9/11 Memorial Museum mourns the death of artist and donor Samuel Kaplan, who died at age 93, one day after his painting Requiem rotated into public view in the Education Center/South Tower gallery of the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

Upcoming Public Program: "20 Years Since 9/11 – Confronting the Challenges of Recovery"

May 20, 2021

Please join us on Wednesday, May 26, at 2 p.m. ET, for "20 Years Since 9/11 – Confronting the Challenges of Recovery." 

Stories of Hope: Living History, Teaching History

May 19, 2021

In some ways, Sal Puglisi’s journey to becoming a high school educator began on September 11, 2001. At the time, Puglisi was an emergency medical technician with New York Weill Cornell, and he responded to the World Trade Center with his colleagues. They provided triage support and helped transport injured people to nearby hospitals.

Registration Is Open for the 2021 Anniversary in the Schools Program

May 17, 2021

Registration for the 2021 Anniversary in the Schools program is now open. Commemorate the 20th anniversary with students and teachers from around the world in this free, age-appropriate program.

Marking the 7th Anniversary of the 9/11 Memorial Museum Dedication

May 14, 2021

Together with family members of 9/11 victims, survivors, and witnesses, President Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and honored guests gathered in Foundation Hall to mark the occasion.