The MEMO Blog

Earlier this week, to mark the release of the trailer for the Netflix film “Worth,” the Museum welcomed 9/11 family member Charles Wolf; special master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Ken Feinberg; administrator of the fund Camille Biros; actor Laura Benanti; Academy Award nominee Michael Keaton; director Sara Colangelo; and writer/producer Max Borenstein for a very special public program. Panelists shared personal recollections and discussed the creative process that went into telling such a complex story with the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the horizon. 

We're remembering high-wire artist Philippe Petit's death-defying walk between the Twin Towers, 47 years ago today. Petit spent 45 minutes in the air as thousands watched from 1,350 feet below, witnessing "the artistic crime of the century." 

In the second installment of our series featuring books that address 9/11 for children, we're highlighting 14 Cows for America, by Carmen Agra Deedy. 14 Cows tells the story of Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, a Kenyan student who witnessed the attacks while visiting New York City. Months later back in Africa, Kimeli was the first to break the news of 9/11 to his remote Maasai village, who went on to offer a very special gesture of support for the people of America. 

We pay tribute to artist Michael Richards on what would have been his 58th birthday. Richards, who was killed on 9/11 while working in the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s World View studio on the North Tower’s 92nd floor, is now the subject of a major retrospective at the North Miami Museum of Contemporary Art. 

On July 16, the latest class of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Probationary Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial to honor the individuals killed on 9/11 and who died as a result of related health issues, including members of their own families. 

Amanda Davis, author-illustrator and art instructor, reflects on the 20th anniversary of the attacks and her efforts to make the story of the National 9/11 Flag accessible to young people through her illustrated book 30,000 Stitches, available for purchase in the Museum gift shop. 30,000 Stitches captures the sorrow, suffering, sacrifice, and love that went into the healing of the flag, and in turn helped heal everyone involved. 

In this milestone year, we're launching a new awareness and fundraising campaign to support our educational programs and our mission to fulfill the collective promise never to forget. The campaign includes the launch of a limited edition keepsake Never Forget Ticket and a special focus on teaching a new generation the lessons we learned on 9/11 and the days that followed. 

On July 19, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum hosted members of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, Correction Captains’ Association, and Assistant Deputy Wardens and Deputy Wardens Association – along with their families – for a special Community Evenings visit highlighting the DOC’s contributions during and after the attacks.

The White House has designated the site of the Pulse Nightclub a national memorial, after the club's owner sought insight and support from our team following the June 2016 attack. 

Our annual July 4 tradition continues Sunday, when volunteers will place 2,983 American flags in the engraved names on the 9/11 Memorial, in honor of those killed on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.