New Historic Archive of 9/11 Footage at New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is set to unveil a collection of heartbreaking, previously unseen footage documenting the September 11 terrorist attacks. This archive, comprising around 500 hours of footage, includes striking images from the recovery efforts at Ground Zero, a devastated subway tunnel, and even a pet rescue operation.

This newly released footage, titled “Nighttime Recovery,” captures moments from that tragic time, including smoke billowing from the ruins as first responders sift through the debris with heavy machinery. One shocked observer notes the effort of a firefighter covered in smoke, exclaiming, “Amazing, isn’t it?” Another voice questions how he can breathe amidst the toxic haze.

Exclusive coverage shows workers at the Cortland Street subway station attempting to mend the damage done to the tunnels near the World Trade Center. There are also handheld recordings from before the era of smartphones, depicting the aftermath of a bomb scare at the Empire State Building in 2002, along with scenes of light tributes at West Side Pier and views of the World Trade Center.

According to Brent Leedy, who directs the New York Public Library’s Research Library, more than 1,200 hours of footage documenting the tragedy won’t be accessible to the public until 2027. He highlighted that this collection allows future generations to explore how New Yorkers experienced September 11 in real time.

The archive, known as the Camera Planet Archives, was donated by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Stephen Rosenbaum and Pamela Yoder, and stands as the largest video collection related to the 9/11 attacks.

As misinformation and negative narratives often cloud the truth, these video records can serve as a vital resource. To honor this donation, the library plans to host a screening of Rosenbaum’s film, “Seven Days of September,” on September 11, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.