Stories & Art Program to Feature Guest Speakers

Stories & Art, a 9/11 Memorial Museum program offered to children and their parents or caregivers, will begin regularly featuring guest speakers, including authors and first responders, later this month.

Guest speakers will read age-appropriate books tied to themes connected to 9/11, followed by a hands-on art activity. The program is free with Museum admission and is appropriate for children ages five through 10 and their caregivers, though all ages are welcome.

The following guest speakers are featured in Stories & Art in the next few weeks:

• May 23: Heidi Hayden, chief people officer at the 9/11 Memorial and a veteran of the Marine Corps, will read “The Butter Battle Book” by Dr. Seuss in honor of Memorial Day. Participants will draw a Dr. Seuss-inspired still life from two points-of-view to experience the concept of different perspectives.

• May 30: To commemorate the end of the recovery period, Joel Klein, rescue worker and tribute artist whose work is featured in the Museum, will read “The Three Questions” by Jon Muth. Participants will then design a pin and trade it with another participant, as was common with recovery workers in the aftermath of 9/11.

• June 6: To commemorate the FDNY’s 150th anniversary, Lee Ielpi, retired FDNY firefighter, recovery worker and 9/11 family member, will read “Courage” by Bernard Waber. Participants will write and decorate a “Dear Hero” postcard for a first responder.

Stories & Art is held in Classroom C of the Museum’s Education Center and takes place at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on select Fridays and Saturday. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Other family-friendly programs include drop-in Activity Stations.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff