New York City, NY
John Cunningham, Firefighter
John Cunningham was a college student and volunteer firefighter on 9/11. He went down to the Ground Zero site to help out and find survivors.
To Learn More: ccxmedia.org/news/brooklyn
Source: CCX Media
Battalion Chief in North Tower
The first FDNY battalion chief to enter the North Tower shares what he saw.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch
Source: Youtube
FDNY Dispatch Tapes
The FDNY released the dispatch tapes from 9/11, which recorded how firefighters in New York learned about the attack on the World Trade Center.
To Learn More: npr.org/templates/story
Source: NPR
Engine 34, Ladder 21 Remembers
Engine 34, Ladder 21 lost most of its members to the tragic events of 9/11. Other firefighters were trapped and had to be dug out when the South Tower collapsed.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch
Source: AP
San Diego Firefighters Respond
A team of San Diego firefighters traveled to New York City in the days after 9/11 to help in the search and rescue efforts. In this article, one of them remembers what the experience was like.
To Learn More: kpbs.org/news/2019/sep/11
Source: KPBS
Personal Stories of 9/11
Learn, in their own words, how different types of people felt about the events of 9/11 in both Washington, DC and New York City. The group includes a yoga instructor, journalist, writer, and combat medic.
To Learn More: forbes.com/sites
Source: Forbes
FDNY Chaplain Remembers 9/11
Msgr. John Delendick remembers how difficult it was to be a firefighter chaplain during the events on 9/11, especially when so many people were afraid, injured, or in danger.
To Learn More: thedialog.org/featured/memories
Source: The Dialog
History of the World Trade Center
Learn more about the history of the World Trade Center, how it was built, and why they fell even despite being built to withstand the impact of a plane.
To Learn More: history.com/topics/landmarks
Source: History.com
Paterson Fire Department
Even though they were in New Jersey, the Patterson Fire Department jumped into action during the terrorist attacks on 9/11, crossing the river to help out at the World Trade Center.
To Learn More: patersonfirehistory.com/ground-zero.html
Source: Paterson Fire History
Getting Out Of The Towers
Learn about how the Twin Towers were built to withstand fire, as well as the initial response of the FDNY during 9/11.
To Learn More: fireengineering.com/2002/09
Source: Fire Engineering
9/11 Police Officer Reflects
After 34 years of service, retired Lt. David Lim shares his story with CBS journalist Don Dahler. Lim was one of 16 survivors when the North Tower collapsed on 9/11.
To Learn More: cbsnews.com/911-hero-retires
Source: CBS News
New York Paramedic on Surviving
Paramedic John Episcopo shares his experiences as one of the first responders on the scene at the World Trade Center.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch
Source: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
The Forgotten Firefighter
Keith Roma was a member of the New York Fire Patrol and is credited with saving as many as 200 lives, even carrying barefoot people over broken glass.But, despite dying as a result of his rescue efforts, he is not counted in the death toll of firefighters who were lost on 9/11.
To Learn More: firerescue1.com/9-11
Source: Firerescue1.com
Firefighters at Ground Zero
This video shows the brave firefighters working to save lives in the aftermath of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch
Source: YouTube
Rick Rescorla
Former Army officer Rick Rescorla was working as head of corporate security for Morgan Stanley when the World Trade Center was attacked. He cleared out thousands of people from his floor and went back to save more, all while singing to keep people calm.
To Learn More: businessinsider.com/7-incredible-stories
Source: Business Inside
U.S. Marines Don Their Uniforms
Two former marines, Jason Thomas and Dave Karnes, put on their uniforms and traveled to New York City immediately after hearing about the 9/11 attacks. They not only helped to clear rubble, but they also helped find two officers that had been buried.
To Learn More: businessinsider.com/7-incredible-stories
Source: Business Insider
Welles Crowther
Welles Crowther, who worked as an equity trader in the World Trade Center, helped get many people out of the building during the attacks on 9/11. He was remembered by many survivors and rescue worker as the “Man in the Red Bandana”.
To Learn More: businessinsider.com/7-incredible-stories
Source: Business Insider
9/11 Survivor Speaks to Students
Janice Brooks, who survived the attacks on the World Trade Center, now visits schools and speaks to children born after the attack, explaining why it is important to always remember that tragic day.
To Learn More: bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-london
Source: BBC News
First Responders Day and Night
Firefighters, police officers, and others who reported for duty at Ground Zero endured grueling shifts and dangerous conditions as they looked for survivors and dug through the rubble.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Boating to Saftey
Many people fleeing the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center became trapped as they moved south toward the water, Luckily, boaters from all over arrived to pick them up, rescuing nearly 500,00 people.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Sister Provides Counseling
For six months, Sister Cynthia Mahoney returned to Ground Zero to provide free counseling for survivors and bless the remains of the fallen.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Flight 93 Passengers Fight Back
After United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked, at least four passengers—Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick—made the heroic effort to fight back against their terrorist hijackers.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Michael and John
Real Life Heroes Michael Benfante and his co-worker John Cerqueira carried Tina Hansen and her wheelchair down from the 68th floor of the North Tower, even despite increasingly treacherous conditions.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Brian and Stanley
After the second plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center, Brian Clark rescued Stanley Praimnath by helping him past the debris that was blocking his exit. The two men proceeded to descend from the destroyed upper floors and made it out of the tower before it fell.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz
Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz were inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center when it was hit. Instead of fleeing, they stayed to help people trapped on the tower’s 88th and 89th floors. Along with some of their coworkers, the two are thought to have saved at least 50 lives.
To Learn More: biography.com/news/september-11-2001
Source: Biography.com
9/11 Memories from an ER Dr.
Dr. Bob Horton, whose hospital was the closest to Ground Zero, recalls his experiences in the ER during the terrorist attacks on 9/11.
To Learn More: greenwichtime.com/Bob-Horton
Source: Greenwich Time
Running Towards the Towers
During the 9/11 attacks, an unnamed EMT was seen rushing toward the burning buildings in order to help. Other off-duty first responders were seen doing the same throughout the day, many of who were lost in the line of duty.
To Learn More: foxnews.com/opinion
Source: Fox News
Working in NYC Hospital on 9/11
Daniel Summers, an essential employee in the Bellevue Hospital pediatric department, recalls his experience working in the hospital during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
To Learn More: thedailybeast.com
Source: The Daily Beast
Hijacker Recordings
In this video, the call between the 9/11 hijackers and air traffic controllers can be heard, allowing insight into what was happening on the plane in the minutes before its collision with the World Trade Center.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch?v=R6VwI_H1GOk
Source: RTÉ – IRELAND’S NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA/YouTube
Family and Friends Remember
On the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, family and friends paid tribute their loved ones during a ceremony held at Ground Zero.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch?v=B93ycYXYBc8
Source: Associated Press
New York Muslims
This video features interviews with members the Muslim community in New York City, NY, discussing the religious backlash that swept the nation after the tragic events of 9/11.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch
Source: YouTube
Hero’s Helmet
This helmet belonged to David Halderman, who had followed in the footsteps of his father and brother to become a New York City Firefighter. The helmet was recovered on September 12, 2001 in the wreckage of “Ground Zero.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11-artifacts
Source: History.com
Cleanup in NYC
This photo reveals a few of the crew members who worked tirelessly to clear the debris of the World Trade Center after 9/11. It shows that, even among such chaos, hope and positivity can still prevail.
To Learn More: bbc.com/news/technology
Source: BBC
The Rubble
As this photo shows, the spotlights were always running in downtown New York City after the attacks on the Twin Towers. Cleanup crews worked day and night to clear the rubble, a massive undertaking that took 8 months to complete.
To Learn More: vt.co/never-before-seen-pictures
Source: VT.co
Through the Wreckage
This moving photo shows what was left of the World Trade Center towers after the 9/11 attacks. Through the last of the standing wreckage, another New York City skyscraper can be seen.
To Learn More: bbc.com/news/technology-48689783
Source: BBC
“Ground Zero” Cleanup
This photo shows an overhead view of “Ground Zero” after the attacks. The construction equipment and crew seen here are part of the cleanup effort that went on for 8 months after the events of 9/11.
To Learn More: bbc.com/news/technology
Source: BBC
The Altar for the Lost
This altar, built shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attack, serves as a memorial to those who were lost in the World Trade Center buildings. The photo was taken by a member of the cleanup crew and had been misplaced, along with many other photos, until 2019.
To Learn More: bbc.com/news/technology
Source: BBC
2 of a Kind
This $2 bill belonged to Robert Joseph Gschaar, who was working on the 92nd floor of the South Tower on September 11th. He had made a phone call to his wife after the initial attack, telling her that he would be on his way home soon. Unfortunately, he did not make it. This $2 bill was found in his wallet, along with his wedding ring, about a year later.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11
Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Source: History.com
The Purposeful Pager
This pager, belonging to 25-year-old Andrea Lyn Haberman, was found at the Ground Zero site of the World Trade Center. She had been in a meeting on the 92nd Floor of the North Tower. It was her first time visiting New York City.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11-artifacts-ground
Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Source: History.com
Identification
Pictured here are ID cards that were discovered in the debris of Flight 77 at the Pentagon crash site. Dr. Paul Wesley Ambrose, whom one of the ID Cards belonged to, was on his way to attend a conference in Los Angeles where he was scheduled to speak on the topic of youth obesity.
To Learn More: amhistory.si.edu
Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
The Brave Baseball Cap
This police cap belonged to James Francis Lynch, a 22 year veteran of the Port Authority Police Department. When the twin towers were attacked, Lynch was off duty and recovering from a surgery, but he rushed off to help all the same. Unfortunately, Lynch did not survive that day.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11-artifacts
Source: History.com
Stairway C – Floor 2
Pictured here is a damaged floor marker from stairway C, floor 102 of the World Trade Center. The item was donated by the New York Police Department.
To Learn More: americanhistory.si.edu/
Source: National Museum of American History
The Star-Spangled Banner
This burned and tattered American flag was discovered by a cleanup crew among the rubble at “ground zero”.
To Learn More: amhistory.si.edu/september11/
Source: National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
The Little Red Doll
This little red doll was discovered in the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 12, 2001. It serves as a grim reminder of the children also lost on that day.
To Learn More: reuters.com/9-11-relics, collection.911memorial.org/Detail
Source: The Globe and Mail
Power in Heels
This pair of heels belonged to Linda Raisch-Lopez, a survivor of the attacks on the Twin Towers. After seeing the explosion at the North Tower she began evacuating from the 97th floor of the South Tower, making it all the way to the 67th floor before her own tower was hit.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11-artifacts
Source: History.com
Karyn’s Wings
This American Airlines wings pin was owned by flight attendant Karyn Ramsey whose friend, Sara Elizabeth Low, was lost aboard Flight 11 when it crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Sara presented the pin to Karyn’s father at her memorial service.
To Learn More: history.com/news/9-11-artifacts
Source: History.com
Emergency Workers Killed
These startling numbers show how many first responders have been lost since the tragic events of 9/11, mostly due to illnesses resulting from their service. Even now, decades after the terrorist attacks, the effects of that day are still being felt.
To Learn More: abcnews.go.com/US/911
Source: ABC News
Muslim American NYPD Cadet
Muslim American Mohammad Salman Hamdani was a trained EMT and NYPD Cadet, and after seeing the tower of smoke coming from the World Trade Center towers, rushed to the site in order to help others—at the cost of his own life. He was later given a police funeral and hailed as a hero.
To Learn More: pri.org/stories/2012-01-04/muslim-american-nypd-cadet-mohammad-salman-hamdani-left-911-memorial-list
Source: The World
9/11 First Responders
This collection of photos showcases the many struggles that the New York City first responders had to face, not just during the attacks on 9/11, but in the days following, as well. They help create a timeline of those who were there, and what they went through to help others during a time of tragedy.
To Learn More: buzzfeednews.com/article/gabrielsanchez
Source: Buzzfeed News
9/11 Museum
Inside the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, parts of the Twin Towers that survived the terrorist attacks are put on display as a way of remembering those who were lost. People from all over the world travel to New York City to learn more about what happened on that day.
To Learn More: 911memorial.org/visit/museum
Source: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Newspaper Front Pages
A day after the events on 9/11, the cover of the New York Post declared the terrorist attacks an “act of war”. The photo, showing the moment before the second tower was struck, remains one of the most recognized images from that day.
To Learn More: nypost.com/covering-911
Source: New York Post
New York Times Front Page 9/12
A “day of terror”—the September 12, 2001 front page of The New York Times shows an image of the Twin Towers erupting into flames, a civilian who narrowly escaped with her life, and a group of firefighters who stand mourning at the wreckage of “ground zero”.
To Learn More: Image link
Source: New York Times
What Was in the Dust?
It wasn’t just dust that settled over downtown New York City after the 9/11 attacks, but a combination of cement, drywall, glass, jet fuel, and many other harmful materials. Decades later, the health complications are still making themselves known among the civilians and first responders who were there on that day.
To Learn More: scientificamerican.com/article/what-was-in-the-world-trade-center-plume/
Source: Scientific American
Remnants From WTC
After the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, an enormous amount of debris had to be cleaned up and moved, a job that took many months. As part of a program to collect items of historical value, more than 2,600 pieces were collected during the process. These relics have since been spread all over the world, including all fifty states and ten countries.
To Learn More: pbs.org/newshour/nation/happened-remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
9/11 Memorial
This aerial view of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum shows the original placement of the Twin Towers, now marked with fountains containing the names of the victims. Open to the public, this re-imagined Ground Zero honors the fallen and provides a peaceful space for reflection.
To Learn More: 911memorial.org/memorial
Source: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Memorial
Flowers and balloons are placed at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, NY, not just by friends and family of the victims but by many New Yorkers and Americans who want to honor the fallen and show solidarity. Learn more about how other children learn about 9/11 for the first time.
To Learn More: time.com/9-11-history-curriculum
Source: Time
A Giant Mural of a Firefighter
Painted by renowned Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra and revealed in 2018, this mural of a fireman in mourning graces a midtown building in New York City. It reflects the bravery of the first responders who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
To Learn More: timeout.com/newyork/news/a-giant-mural-of-a-firefighter-was-unveiled-in-midtown-on-9-11
Source: Timeout
America: A Tribute to Heroes
“America: A Tribute to Heroes” was a 9/11 benefit concert that was broadcast live on American television on September 21, 2001. Over $200 million was raised and given to the United Way’s September 11 Telethon Fund.
To Learn More: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5pFyvaKgcs
Source: Glen Campbell and Much Much More
The Concert for New York City
In response to the 9/11 attacks, the “Concert for New York City” took place on October 20, 2001, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was done both for charity and to honor the first responders, their families, and those who were lost in the attacks.
To Learn More: youtube.com/watch?v=7bbjMPhnhLg
Source: YouTube Movies
Clothing
These clothes belonged to a World Trade Center Security Officer, and were found in the wreckage after 9/11.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Steel Beams
Steel beams from the World Trade Center were analyzed by the US Department of Commerce in 2009.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Damaged Emergency Vehicles
These emergency vehicles all were a part of 9/11. Since they weren’t usable anymore, they joined many other items in a hangar at JFK airport to travel as parts of museum exhibits on 9/11.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Twisted Steel Beams
Here you can see twisted beams of steel that used to stand straight as part of the World Trade Center Towers.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Commuters’ Rail Car
Rail Car #143 brought commuters into New York from nearby New Jersey. This car was eventually donated to the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Memorabilia Destroyed
Warner Bros. had a store in the mall on the concourse level of the World Trade Center. These items were inside that store on 9/11.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
FDNY Salutes Steel
St. James New York Fire Department members salute steel beams from the World Trade Center as they are loaded onto a truck for use in an exhibit on 9/11.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
Destroyed Fire Engine
A New York City Fire Department engine recovered from the World Trade Center disaster site sits inside Hangar 17 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport June 16, 2011. A program operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The World Trade Center program, selected portions of the steel recovered from the World Trade Center and donated it to cities, towns, firehouses and museums around the U.S. and the world who requested it for use in 9/11 memorial sites. The program ended in August 2016.
To Learn More: pbs.org/happened remnants-world-trade-center
Source: PBS
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Learn about the military response to 9/11 and the difficulty of regime change.
New York City, NY
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