In Memoriam
The memorial exhibition honors the 2,977 individuals killed as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the six individuals killed in the bombing of the World Trade Center on February 26, 1993.
About the Exhibition
Immediately conveying the enormity of loss, a floor-to-ceiling presentation of 2,983 portrait photographs surrounds visitors as they enter the gallery. These four walls present a true cross-section of humanity, ages two and a half to 85, from more than 90 nations, spanning the spectrum of ethnicities, socioeconomic sectors, and faith traditions.
The gallery’s inner chamber provides a more intimate space for remembrance. Profiles of victims are projected onto the walls of this room along with personal photographs and recorded remembrances left by family members, friends, and former colleagues.
Objects on View
Artifact cases feature displays of recovered property and objects reflecting the interests and activities of the victims before their lives were cut short. New artifacts are displayed annually.
Onesie worn by granddaughter of Ronald Carl Fazio, Sr.
Courtesy Rob Fazio
Ronald Fazio was known for his love of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, so much so that his family attached candy wrappers to the posters they created after 9/11 and added the appeal “If found, please feed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!” They continue to place the candy near his name at the south Memorial pool. In 2016, the family visited the Memorial with a new member: Ronald’s granddaughter, Reese.
Recovered front piece from FDNY helmet of Sean S. Hanley
Collection 9/11 Memorial Museum, Gift of Gerald F. Hanley
Sean Hanley came from a family of firefighters. When he joined the FDNY, he assumed his maternal grandfather’s badge number and was assigned to his grandfather’s former firehouse, Ladder Company 20. On the morning of September 11, Sean had just finished a night shift when he learned of the attacks and responded to the World Trade Center.
Mission to Remember: Acquiring Artifacts
As part of our mission to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Memorial Museum works with family members, close friends, and coworkers to collect artifacts and spoken remembrances that illustrate the lives, personalities, and passions of those who were killed.
In the video below, Executive Vice President of Collections and Chief Curator Jan Seidler Ramirez shares how her team collects objects for display in the Museum.