The Survivor Tree and neighboring foliage on the plaza, with bright green leaves
Photo: Jin S. Lee

Art Cart Activity

This activity explores the story of the Survivor Tree, a single Callery pear tree from the World Trade Center that survived the 9/11 attacks. Weeks after 9/11, the tree was found buried in rubble at Ground Zero. It was burned and badly damaged, but it still showed signs of life. Workers rescued the tree and it was transported to a park where it was tended to and cared for. Over the years, it grew from eight to 30 feet tall, sprouting new branches and flowering in the spring. It was returned to the 9/11 Memorial plaza in 2010. Today, it stands as a living symbol of hope and resilience, which is the ability to recover and bounce back after facing change or difficulties.

Survivor Tree Exploration

Light blue and purple paper leaves along the railing of the Survivor Tree

Locate the Survivor Tree on the Memorial Plaza. After learning about the symbolism of the Survivor Tree, decorate a leaf using the instructions below and place it at the Survivor Tree as a symbol of hope and remembrance.

Activity Instructions

  • Select a colored leaf cut-out
  • Use a pencil to write or draw a message of hope on your leaf. Think about the story of the Survivor Tree – how is this tree a symbol of resilience? What symbols or words come to mind when you think of what it stands for?
  • Attach a colored ribbon to your leaf and tie it to the silver railing surrounding the Survivor Tree or take it home to remember your visit. 

Think About It

What does it mean to be a survivor?