9/11 Tribute Museum to Host Official Opening Ceremony and Inaugural Tour to Celebrate New Location and Exhibits!
Media Contact: Rubenstein Public Relations
Sana Javaid | 212-805-3057
The 9/11 Tribute Museum opens its exhibits and programs to place greater emphasis on service, compassion and resiliency, and encourage visitors to make a positive impact in the world
NEW YORK, NY – June 13, 2017 – The 9/11 Tribute Museum will officially open today in an expanded new location at 92 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10006. After more than a decade since the 9/11 Tribute Center first opened, and more than 15 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Tribute Museum shares the personal stories of those directly impacted – family members, survivors, first responders, recovery workers and residents. The opening ceremony will be hosted by Emmy award winning FOX-5 news anchor, Ernie Anastos.
The expanded 9/11 Tribute Museum will unveil exhibits depicting the events of 9/11, the recovery and rebuilding that followed, the global outreach of 9/11 foundations and the “Seeds of Service” interactive. Exhibitions will offer visitors an in-depth exploration of the personal stories from family members who lost loved ones, survivors, first responders and people who live and work in Lower Manhattan, learning about their experiences and how they responded to the challenges they faced.
“The 9/11 Tribute Museum has supported the 9/11 community of families, first responders, survivors and residents for more than 10 years,” said Governor Cuomo. “By allowing those directly affected to share their stories with visitors from around the world, the institution serves as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage of New Yorkers. This expansion will allow more visitors to hear their stories and ensure that the memory of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.”
Since its inception, the 9/11 Tribute Museum has welcomed more than four million visitors from around the world. The new exhibit, designed by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, takes visitors from darkness into light showcasing the course of the attack, people who lost their lives, families who were impacted and the aftermath to create a stronger community. The exhibit is equipped with the latest technological advancements, both audio and visual offerings, to support and emphasize the storytelling. Leadership sponsors of the exhibit include American Express Foundation, The Carnegie Corporation of New York, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Zurich North America.
“All of the exhibits share the personal stories from family members, survivors, first responders, recovery workers and Lower Manhattan residents. I am moved by people every day when I share my story and hear others who were directly affected share their stories” said Lee Ielpi, President of the Board of Directors for the September 11th Families’ Association and co-founder of the 9/11 Tribute Museum. “It is crucial that we pass on the understanding of 9/11 to future generations and the tremendous spirit of resilience and service that arose after the attacks. Visitors are encouraged to honor the legacy of that spirit through volunteerism and acts of kindness in their own communities.”
Jennifer Adams-Webb, CEO and co-founder of the 9/11 Tribute Museum, added: “The organization’s mission of sharing authentic, personal stories from those that were impacted by 9/11 will remain as our core programming. The new exhibitions share the story of community rebuilding and the great work of 9/11 foundations culminating in a section which encourages visitors to take the next step by getting involved in charity and volunteer work. ‘Seeds of Service’ is a digital exhibit that inspires visitors to choose a service project and community engagement.”
“I am deeply honored to share in the love and deep respect we have for all the families and heroes of 9/11. Those who bravely lost their lives and those who bravely served our city and humanity,” shared Ernie Anastos, Emmy award winning FOX 5 TV News anchor.
“We are honored to welcome the 9/11 Tribute Museum to its permanent new home at 92 Greenwich Street,” said Joseph Sitt, CEO of Thor Equities, which owns the site of the new 9/11 Tribute Museum. “The tragic events of 9/11 have forever left their mark on New York City, and the new museum will help visitors come to terms with the attacks through the preserved memories and shared stories of those impacted.”
“The opportunity to contribute to the healing process associated with the tragedy of 9/11 has been an extremely meaningful and sacred one for us. As designers of the museum experience our goal was to draw upon the powerful authenticity of people speaking in their own words to tell the stories of extreme emotion and loss, resiliency and strength, and finally inspiration and healing. The fact that survivors, responders and citizens discovered the ‘seeds of service’ growing out of unimaginable tragedy is a testament to the power of the human spirit and an amazing life lesson for us all,” shared Lee Skolnick, founder and Principal of Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership.
Within the new facility, designed by Huntsman Architectural Group, the 9/11 Tribute Museum will continue its mission to support the 9/11 and Lower Manhattan communities, to preserve the history of the attacks and aftermath and to provide education and resources on the global and continuing impact of 9/11.
About the 9/11 Tribute Museum
The 9/11 Tribute Museum opened in 2006 as the 9/11 Tribute Center, by the September 11th Families’ Association, a not-for-profit organization. The 9/11 Tribute Museum offers visitors the ability to learn factual information about the attacks, the unprecedented rescue and recovery operations and the rebuilding of both Lower Manhattan and of people’s lives. The Museum presents videos, artifacts and “Person to Person History,” linking visitors who want to understand the historic events of 9/11 with those who experienced them. Visitors discover the tremendous spirit of resilience and service that arose after the attacks, and are encouraged to honor the legacy of that spirit through volunteerism and acts of kindness in their own communities. Personal gallery and walking tour experiences are available for student and group visits. Learn more about 9/11 Tribute Museum programs, visit 911tributemuseum.org.
About Thor Equities
Thor Equities is a leader in the development, leasing and management of commercial, residential, retail, hotel and mixed-use assets in premier urban locations worldwide. The company maximizes returns for investors by recognizing a property’s potential, reducing operating expenses, increasing tenant satisfaction, and leveraging market trends to maintain a long-term competitive edge. Thor Equities is also the exclusive representative of global retailers through Thor Retail Advisors, a premier leasing agent for marquee properties worldwide. For more information, visit www.thorequities.com.
About Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership
Based in New York City, Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership is an award-winning, multidisciplinary design firm specializing in education, museum and corporate facilities, exhibits, interactive experiences and graphic identity. LHSA+DP believes that the ideal architectural experience tells a story, taking a person on a journey, expressing ideas, eliciting emotions and revealing knowledge. The firm was founded by Lee H. Skolnick, FAIA, and author of What Is Exhibition Design? and a renowned conceptual thinker and accomplished architect dedicated to exploring the use of design as an interpretive tool that connects people and ideas, visit http://www.skolnick.com.
About Huntsman Architectural Group
Huntsman Architectural Group is an award-winning 90+ person architecture, interior design, and consulting firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago focused on elevating the human experience through the design of meaningful places that connect, support, and inspire. The firm’s New York clients include Aquent, Moody’s, Appeagle, and Gordon Rees LLP in addition to building owners Shorenstein, Vornado, and Vanbarton Group. Visit www.huntsmanag.com.