A man with graying hair sits in a director's chair, hands crossed, with the Last Column in the background. he is wearing jeans and a dark blue sweater.
Photo: David E. Starke

9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience

Join students and teachers from around the world to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 by viewing a film highlighting first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath and connect with Museum educators in real-time through an interactive live chat.  

View the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience film today. 

Students pay attention to an unseen speaker

The following sections provide all the necessary information to prepare for and participate in the program.

The film is now available to view. Registration for the program is no longer required. The live chat will be available from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. EDT on September 11. You will be directed to the video after completing a brief form. 

If your students or other viewers are participating remotely, direct them to the this page on their device. 

Participants will learn about 9/11 through personal stories from first responders from two documentary filmmakers, a first responder from the FDNY, a 9/11 family member, and a NY Waterway boat captain, and ask questions through a live chat with Museum educators. The film will be interpreted in American Sign Language and captioned. An audio description and Spanish subtitles will also be available. 

On September 11 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. EDT, 9/11 Memorial Museum educators will be available via live chat to answer student questions in real-time. Access the live chat feature by clicking the blue icon which will appear on the bottom right corner of the screen once you begin viewing the program.

Due to the large volume of participants, we cannot guarantee all questions will be answered. The post-program activities are designed to explore the themes discussed during the program in more detail.

  • Computer, tablet, smartphone, smartboard
  • Screen to view the program (if separate from devices above)
  • Internet connection
  • Speakers

The program can be viewed as a group or individually. If your students or viewers are participating remotely, direct them to this page.

Please note that we are not able to assist with any technical issues the day of the program. 

Viewing Guides

These guides offer context and questions for you and your students to consider while viewing the program.

Pre-Program Activities

9/11 Timeline Video: This brief film outlines the six key times that mark the 9/11 attacks.

Glossary: This glossary defines terms used by the speakers that may be unfamiliar to students. It also includes maps of the five boroughs of NYC and the original World Trade Center site.

Grades 3-5: This lesson provides an overview of 9/11 and highlights themes of courage and heroism using age-appropriate language.

Grades 6-12: This lesson provides an overview of 9/11 and assesses students’ prior knowledge about the attacks.

Post-Program Activities

These activities will encourage further exploration of themes presented during the program.

For more information, contact the Education Programs staff at: digitallearning@911memorial.org. 

The program will be interpreted in American Sign Language and captioned. An audio description and Spanish subtitles will also be available. 

Have an idea of how to commemorate 9/11? Want to thank the speakers? Have an interesting class discussion after the program? Use the hashtag #911MuseumEd to share your thoughts with participants from around the world.

Have a question? View the Digital Learning Experience FAQ.