Albany’s 9/11 Exhibit Brings History and Heartbreak to Life

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the day our world was completely turned upside down. September 11, 2001, was the moment when American soil was attacked in a way we never imagined possible, and chaos swept across the country. Life as we knew it was forever changed.

A Personal Promise to Always Remember

After the horrific events of that day, I made a personal vow. I promised myself that no matter what, I would never forget. I would honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and the many more lost in the days, weeks, and years that followed as an indirect result of the attacks.

Passing the Memories Down to the Next Generation

In the days after 9/11, I collected every newspaper I could get my hands on. Those papers are tucked away, waiting for the day when my son is old enough and emotionally ready to understand the weight of what happened. When that time comes, we’ll sit down together, and I’ll show him the stories, the photos, and the emotions captured on those pages so he can understand why we must never forget.

Why We Can’t Erase History

It breaks my heart to see people trying to erase or rewrite history to fit their own agenda. The tragedies we’ve endured are part of what shape us, and they teach us how to be better, kinder, stronger. We can either face these moments, learn from them, and commit to standing up against hate, or we can ignore them and leave our children to navigate on their own. For me, the choice is clear, I choose to remember. I choose to do my part to leave a better world for my son.

Each Visit Reminds Me Why We Must Never Forget

My parents live in Albany, and whenever we can, we visit the New York State Museum. No matter how many times I walk through the exhibit, “The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response,” the emotions are overwhelming. The twisted metal, the damaged vehicles, the flyers begging for news of loved ones, it’s impossible to take it all in without being deeply moved. Each visit reminds me how important it is that we never let this moment in American history be forgotten.

Why I Recommend the Albany 9/11 Exhibit

If you’ve never been able to make it to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, or if crowds aren’t your thing, I can’t recommend the exhibit at the New York State Museum enough. It’s smaller, more intimate, and incredibly moving. Admission is free, though donations are suggested, and you can take your time to absorb everything at your own pace.

Honoring Lives Lost by Keeping Their Stories Alive

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every time I leave, I feel the weight of responsibility to carry these stories forward. Remembering is the very least we can do to honor the lives lost and to remind future generations that hatred can never be allowed to win.