2020 Annual Report: Inspiration
After the 2001 attacks, we learned just how resilient we truly are, that we can come together when it matters most, and that love is stronger than hate. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum inspires millions with stories of compassion, empathy, service, and renewal.
Stories of Hope
Following the temporary closure of the Memorial and the Museum in the spring of 2020, we continued to elevate stories of inspiration, resilience, and strength—lessons learned in the aftermath of 9/11 that today offer hope as New York City and the world grapples with a global pandemic. From the daughter of a 9/11 first responder reflecting on her father’s legacy, to a recovery worker recalling the Survivor Tree’s journey home, our Instagram TV series Stories of Hope offers us inspiration in hard times.
Masks to Support Frontline Workers
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has created custom face masks with inspirational messages to help workers responding to COVID-19. For every mask purchased, a mask is donated to New York City’s frontline responders.
When the Memorial and the Museum reopened to the public with enhanced health and safety protocols, masks were required and many visitors choose to support the institution by buying a mask.
In the first six months since launching the program, the 9/11 Memorial Museum Store has sold more than 6,800 masks.
Commemorative Birthday Rose Program
Each day, we recognize the birthdays of the men, women, and children whose names are inscribed on the 9/11 Memorial by placing a single white rose at each person’s name on his or her birthday.
While we had to reduce onsite staff during the temporary closure, we took extraordinary measures to ensure this beloved tradition continued without pause—supporters and dedicated staff from across the organization made it happen.
2020 Survivor Tree Seedling Recipients
The 2020 recipients of Survivor Tree seedlings include The Bahamas, devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and Christchurch, New Zealand, the site of a mass shooting. Seedlings were also donated to five hospitals throughout New York City’s five boroughs in honor of the healthcare workers responding to the health crisis.
Volunteers: Vital to Our Mission
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum recognized as a 2020 Service Enterprise Organization by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. Our institution became the first museum in New York City to achieve this status.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has had 1,743 volunteers since 2011, with 316 active in 2020.
Many volunteers are members of the 9/11 community who have chosen to give back by sharing their stories. Learn about volunteer Bill Spade’s story.