Marking the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, the 9/11 Tribute Museum Announces The ‘Stories in Tribute’ Campaign

New York, NY – August 26, 2021 – As part of its ongoing effort to preserve the memories of 9/11 for future generations, the 9/11 Tribute Museum announced the launch of a $10 Million campaign, ‘Stories in Tribute,’ that will fund educational programming and the resolution of debt from the construction of the museum.

On the 20th anniversary, it is pivotal to secure our future with this fundraising to support the archives, educational programming, and establish a central place to never forget the history of 9/11, a pledge America first made on September 12, 2001. The Tribute Museum provides unique educational experience with first-person testimonials and reminds people of the positive differences our local and global communities can make when we all stand together.

This summer, the 9/11 Tribute Museum welcomed its 5 millionth visitor since opening its doors in 2006. It has now also hosted more than 500,000 members of the 9/11 community, who have shared their stories of resilience and hope with others.

“The ‘Stories in Tribute’ campaign will support the 9/11 Tribute Museum in its mission to preserve the victims’ authentic voices and to help the public understand what happened on that horrific day, how the world has changed, and the tremendous spirit of resilience and service that emerged after the attacks,” said Lee Lelpi, Co-Founder of the 9/11 Tribute Museum and President of the Board of Directors for the September 11th Families’ Association. “To all of the police officers, firefighters, and volunteers who bravely came to our aid that day: this is our small way of keeping the memory of your heroism alive.”

“When people think of artifacts, they think of steel, which symbolizes strength and endurance. At the 9/11 Tribute Museum, the stories of our volunteers are our most profound and poignant artifacts,” said Joan Mastropaolo, Community Resident and Board Director of the 9/11 Tribute Museum. “The ‘Stories in Tribute’ campaign will allow us to continue to carry this history forward.”

“Congratulations to the 9/11 Tribute Museum on reaching the impressive milestone of welcoming its 5 millionth visitor! As we approach the 20th anniversary, I thank everyone at the Museum for your remarkable efforts to put the events of 9/11 in context through pictures, videos, history, and artifacts – and especially through inspiring stories of resilience shared by survivors and family members who lost loved ones, those who lived and worked in Lower Manhattan in 2001, rescue and recovery workers, and first responders,” said New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh. “Once again, this year, the Tribute Museum is playing a central role in commemorating the lives lost on this day and ensuring that their memories live on.”

“Honoring the stories and experiences of those most closely impacted by 9/11 is an essential part of healing, rebuilding, and advocating for New Yorkers who lost their loved ones, their lives, and their health on that tragic day,” said New York State Senator Kristen Gillibrand. “Twenty years later, we are still making sense of all the ways 9/11 altered the fabric of who we are as a nation. I am thankful to the 9/11 Tribute Museum for creating an important space to educate and inspire all of us to continue advocating for a world in which the 9/11 community can receive the care and justice they deserve.”