2020 Annual Report

Despite a months-long closure at the beginning of the global pandemic and reopening under significant financial strain, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum persevered and met a multitude of challenges in new and innovative ways in 2020. Having turned the corner into 2021, the institution is now focused on leading the world in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the attacks. 

A portion of the 2,983 individual blue tiles that comprise "Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning,” an installation by Spencer Finch. Every square is a unique shade of blue, reflecting the artist's attempt to remember the color of the sky on the morning of 9/11 and commemorating the victims of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

The extraordinary events of 2020 presented unique challenges for an organization whose mission is so intrinsically linked to a highly specific physical location. Even through months of closure, our commitment to sharing stories of inspiration and hope, remembering those who were killed, and educating the next generation have never been more relevant. Our commemoration of the 19th anniversary saw 344,146 participants in our annual Anniversary in the Schools webinar, from all 50 states and two U.S. territories. Our Collections team acquired more than 600 items, bringing the collection to more than 73,000. Our public programs reached more than 2,300 people.

We are especially grateful for the generous support of our donors and members for sustaining the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as we continue inspire, commemorate, and educate in these challenging times. On behalf of the entire organization, our Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg, and our President & CEO Alice M. Greenwald, and we thank you for your continued support.

 

From the Chairman

A letter from Michael R. Bloomberg attesting to what’s possible when people pull together and support one another.  

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Michael R. Bloomberg, the chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, smiles softly with his arms folded. He is wearing a red tie and navy blazer.

From the President & CEO

A letter from Alice M. Greenwald on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's commitment to telling stories of resilience, hope, and renewal.

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Alice M. Greenwald, the president of the 9/11 Memorial &. Museum, smiles gently in this headshot.

Inspiration

A dozen daisies adorn the names panels of the 9/11 Memorial. A person's hand is shown on the left side of the frame placing one more yellow daisy on to the Memorial.

After the 2001 attacks, we learned just how resilient we truly are, that we would come together when it mattered most, and that love is stronger than hate. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum inspires millions with stories of compassion, tolerance, empathy, and service. 

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Commemoration

A women holds her hands, clasped in prayer, near her face as she leans on the 9/11 Memorial. A name on the Memorial is adorned with a photograph and American flag as this visitor closes her eyes in remembrance and prayer.

During an unprecedented year, we continued our mission to honor the victims of the attacks, the survivors, the responders, rescue and recovery workers, and the expanded 9/11 community by holding our annual commemoration ceremonies, both remote and onsite.

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Education

A Museum guide gestures as he stands in Memorial Hall near the 19.8-foot-long fragment recovered from the original 360-foot-tall radio and television antenna from atop the North Tower. The guide is giving a virtual tour being filmed by another guide in the foreground of the image.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is committed to providing relevant and engaging learning opportunities for students, teachers, families, and the general public. 

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