Remembering 9/11 Through Education
They may not recall the events themselves, but they’ll always remember the significance.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum has now reached an impressive milestone, having taught around 20 million students nationwide about the largest terrorist attack on American soil, all of whom were born after the events of that day.
This achievement was announced after students from every state participated in the museum’s annual digital learning experience, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
“We have a sacred obligation to remember what happened on 9/11 — and to ensure future generations never forget,” stated Beth Hillman, the president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
“Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, we are still dedicated to equipping educators with the necessary resources to share these crucial stories while providing students with fresh perspectives on how 9/11 continues to influence our world today.”
The museum celebrated this milestone at a time when about one-third of the American populace was either born after the attacks or too young to have direct memories of that day.
That translates to 20 million young individuals who have either physically visited the museum or engaged with its virtual programs and lesson plans for educators since its establishment.
This milestone was bolstered by a significant increase in participation in the museum’s Anniversary Digital Learning Experience, which attracted around 1.5 million students from all 50 states this year.
That figure marks a 50% rise compared to the previous year, with many utilizing the free 35-minute on-demand film that features firsthand accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, along with live discussions with museum staff.
Focusing on educating younger generations has been paramount for the museum lately, especially as time passes and more students become distanced from the events of September 11.
Approximately 25% of the 142 individuals who spoke at this year’s memorial, reading the names of loved ones lost in the attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, were too young to remember the tragedy or were not yet born, according to estimates from the museum.
Earlier this month, the City Council announced a generous $1 million scholarship fund aimed at helping the 9/11 Memorial & Museum expand its educational programs, primarily funding free field trips for 20,000 eighth graders in public schools throughout the city.
Each audio-guided excursion can exceed $23 per student, which feels worth it when you consider listening to the final calls from victims to their families, observing the remnants of FDNY rescue vehicles, and reflecting upon the thousands of names inscribed on the memorial pools.
In addition, 9/11 Memorial & Museum Chairman and ex-Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced he would match all donations made to The Never Forget Fund, up to $25 million, in honor of the anniversary of that day.
“Since our organization’s establishment, our mission to commemorate, educate, and inspire has remained central,” remarked Noah Rauch, senior vice president for education and public programs at the museum.
“As a new generation grows up without memories of 9/11, we’re committed to reaching new audiences through innovative educational programming tailored to their age.”
