Twenty years ago, 19 terrorists associated with al-Qaeda hijacked four California bound commercial airliners. Two of these planes were intentionally flown into the twin towers in New York City. One into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the fourth was taken over by brave passengers and went down in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Despite twenty years having passed, many people still remember where they were when the first tower was hit. We still remember the feeling of absolute helplessness as we watched the horror unfolding through our tv screens or listening to the news reports over our radios.
The events of 9/11 and its aftermath remind us that we may never be able to prevent all the actions of people intent on harming others, but we do have control over how we respond to such events.
Scott County Public Library is excited to announce its participation in September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World, an educational exhibition that presents the history of 9/11, its origins, and its ongoing implications through the personal stories of those who witnessed and survived the attacks.
Told across 14 posters, this exhibition includes archival photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection. It explores the consequences of terrorism on individual lives and communities at the local, national, and international levels, and encourages critical thinking about the legacies of 9/11.
This poster exhibit will be available for viewing in the SCPL Gallery starting September 1st, 2021 during the library’s normal hours of operation.
Despite how fresh the memories of 9/11 can feel, the attacks are now a part of American history. Now, as we witness history unfolding in our own time, the ways we choose to respond—both large and small—can demonstrate the best of human nature.
“During this 20th anniversary year, it is our privilege to share these lessons with a new generation, teach them about the ongoing repercussions of the 9/11 attacks and inspire them with the idea that, even in the darkest of times, we can come together, support one another and find the strength to renew and rebuild,”— 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Alice M. Greenwald.
The poster exhibition was developed by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National endowment for Humanities. For questions or more information on this Exhibition, please visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website or contact them at:press@911memorial.org.