From the President & CEO

In the fall of 2022, I joined the National September 11 Memorial & Museum as president and CEO, beginning a journey of listening and learning that left me astounded by the passion and tenacity of our world-class staff, volunteers, and generous supporters. Thank you for your tireless dedication and congratulations on an exceptionally successful 2022.  

This year, I experienced our annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony in person for the first time. As the names of the 2,983 innocent people killed were read aloud, more than 6,000 family members came together to honor the memory of their loved ones. And as the sun set after the ceremony, our iconic “Tribute in Light” installation shone brightly into the night, and dozens of partner organizations illuminated their buildings in “Memorial blue” for the second year of our “Tribute in Lights” initiative. 

The Anniversary in the Schools Digital Learning Experience — a 35-minute film featuring detailed accounts of 9/11 by first responders, 9/11 survivors, and advocates — reached more than half a million students and educators across all 50 states and 18 countries. To increase awareness of this signature educational program, we established a new partnership with AMC Theatres. That partnership gave people nationwide the unique opportunity to host screenings of the digital learning experience at their local AMC’s during the week leading up to 9/11. Approximately 800 teachers, students, and first responders took advantage of this first-ever opportunity, hosting events in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. We look forward to deepening our relationship with AMC and building on the strong foundation established by the great success of this initiative.  

We also furthered our commitment to education this year by launching a recurring professional program designed for probationary FDNY firefighters. It documents the agency’s role on 9/11 and during the rescue, recovery, and relief operations. Throughout 2022, our public and professional programs reached more than 5,000 people, including 3,500 members of the FDNY, EMS, NYPD, PAPD, & FBI.  

We’re appreciative and humbled by our visitors’ recognition of our efforts to commemorate, educate, and inspire. We have maintained our top rank among museums in NYC and the United States, according to Tripadvisor, and Time Out New York ranked the Memorial & Museum as the second most loved landmark in America. None of these achievements would be possible without your sustained generosity.   

I am honored to lead an organization that tells the story of 9/11 and its ongoing impact, shining a light on the heroism it revealed and honoring those who were killed and injured. Our compelling mission and strong institutional foundation will allow us to explore new mission-advancing opportunities in the future. We will continue to offer a world-class visitor experience as we expand our impact across our local and global communities. 9/11 must never be forgotten, and its stories of hope, service, courage, and unity must continue to be told with the peerless quality that characterizes every aspect of our operations. 

With your partnership, we will sustain and expand our vital programs and ensure that the Memorial & Museum remains a sacred site of remembrance, reflection, and learning for all.  

With gratitude, 

Elizabeth L. Hillman 
President and CEO 
National September 11 Memorial & Museum