The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has collaborated with the September 11thEducation Trust and the Social Studies School Service to create commemorative education resources showcasing the many ways people chose to respond to 9/11 through art. Following the events of 9/11, many people turned to artistic channels as part of the grieving, healing, recovery, rebuilding, and understanding process. Such artistic works show not only how art serves as a means for self-expression but as a vehicle for community-building and growth.
One notable work is a replica of Lady Liberty, an inspiring example of the artistic response to 9/11. Soon after the events of 9/11, a 250-pound plastic replica of the Statue of Liberty was placed outside the New York City firehouse at 8th Avenue and West 48th Street, Engine 54/Ladder 4/Battalion 9, which lost 15 men at the World Trade Center. The statue, which is over 10 feet tall, quickly became decorated with tribute items, such as condolence letters, badges, cards, rosary beads and many other items left by the public.
Lady Liberty, now covered head to toe with tributes, represents the artistic response to 9/11 and a method for healing in the community. The statue can be viewed at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, 20 Vesey St.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum will continue to work with educators to create dynamic learning resources and create a more comprehensive understanding of the attacks, the aftermath, and impact 9/11 continues to have on the world in which we live.
By Meghan Walsh, Communications Associate for the 9/11 Memorial
