Volunteer Expresses Pride in Working at Museum

Mark Morrow, a volunteer at the Museum, assists visitors in a hallway. A poster-sized photo of Ground Zero is behind them.
Mark Morrow, who joined the volunteer program this past June, assists museum visitors. (Photo: Deena Farrell)

After moving to New York from Columbus, Ohio in 2011 to attend culinary school, Mark Morrow visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum shortly following its May 2014 opening. He instantly became interested in the volunteer program and soon became a Visitor Services volunteer himself.

Now, he said, people often stop him on his way to the museum to ask him questions when they see his 9/11 volunteer vest.

Since starting the volunteer program this past June, Morrow said the experience is like nothing he has ever been involved with before. Morrow feels that he is fulfilling his role as a downtown Manhattan resident, and he said it feels "outstanding."

For example, Morrow said he was proud to be able to volunteer at the memorial on the anniversary this year.

"I appreciated being here on that day because there were so many people here, especially families that you are trying to help heal," he said.

While the experience is very rewarding, Morrow also realizes that it can be very difficult at times.

"It's tough," Morrow said. "I hope I never become immune to the emotions and what people go through, but I just hope I can become a little more accustomed to it."

Morrow recalled a time when he helped a guest who was unsure of where to start her experience at the museum. As Morrow explained the parts of the museum, she revealed to him that she had worked in the north tower, retiring just a week before 9/11.

"I explained to her the parts of the museum that were maybe going to be more difficult for her and the parts that might be more factual rather than emotional,” Morrow said. “So I explained where everything was and what everything was, and she ended up giving me a hug when she left."

Morrow hopes that guests of the museum will leave with "a better understanding of what happened and a feel for the impact of it all."

"This place is so well done," he said. "When people find out the museum is in the foot prints of the Twin Towers, they are just astonished."

In addition to volunteering, Morrow recently participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run with the 9/11 Memorial team on Sept. 28. He and his fellow volunteers, as well as docent volunteers and staff, completed the three-plus mile run.

Learn more about volunteering here.

By Deena Farrell, 9/11 Memorial Communications Intern

Previous Post

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Honor 9/11 Victims at Memorial, Museum

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, view artist Spencer Finch’s work “Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning” in Memorial Hall at the Museum. The artwork features the Vigil quote, “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” The quote is surrounded by 2,983 squares of Fabriano paper hand-painted different shades of blue.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honored the victims of 9/11 earlier today at the Memorial and Museum.

View Blog Post

Next Post

Students Explore 9/11, Lead Tours Through After-School Program

Christopher Demarest, a sophomore  at Bard High School Early College in Queens, speaks with 9/11 Memorial Museum Educational Specialist Chelsea Pellissier.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum’s Ambassador Program, which launched this fall, allows for students in grades 10 through 12 to participate in a semester-long, hands-on learning experience at the museum.

View Blog Post