This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Here, we’ve rounded up several memorial and remembrance events in NYC that are appropriate for families and children.
A rendering of one of the National 9/11 Memorial’s two reflecting pools. The names of each of the nearly 3,000 victims will be engraved around both pools’ outer edges.
It’s hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the events of September 11, 2001. Whether or not your children are old enough to remember that day, many have been hearing about it for years, and are curious to understand why the event reshaped us all, personally and culturally. Below are some events taking place in the city that may help to explain the significance of this anniversary to our children and let us honor our memories of the day in small ways.
On the tenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the National 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan will open for the victim’s families with a commemoration ceremony hosted by the City of New York. Members of the public may begin planning their visits on September 12 via the online reservation system. After entering the 9/11 Memorial Welcome Site at 1 Albany Street, visitors can expect to see the largest man-made waterfalls in North America flowing into the reflecting pools in the two towers’ footprints. The space will also include a Memorial Grove for special ceremonies and events. Families who wish to visit the memorial must reserve a specific date and time on Monday-Friday from 10am-8pm and on weekends and holidays from 9am-8pm until January 8. From January 9-March 10, the memorial will be open from 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday. The last entries are ushered in an hour before closing. For more information, visit www.911memorial.org.
The New-York Historical Society will debut its new exhibit, Remembering 9/11, on September 8. This commemorative exhibition includes a selection of several hundred photographs taken by professional and amateur photographers in the immediate aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Centers, as well as letters written to policemen and firemen; objects that were placed in makeshift shrines around New York; images and texts from The New York Times‘ “Portraits of Grief” series; photographs of the Tribute in Light; and drawings of the National September 11 Memorial. On view through April 1, 2012. Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm. On September 11 at 11:30am, the museum will host a 9/11 Commemorative Reading of Fireboat by Vin Panaro, bugler for the Fire Department of New York, and Katie Fuller, museum educator. The book, by Maira Kalman, conveys the unfathomable events of September 11 in a way that a picture book audience can comprehend. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West.
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, an internationally recognized children’s ensemble, will present four free memorial concerts under the direction of founder/artistic director Francisco J. Núñez. First, the group will sing an inspirational program including Durufle’s “Ubi Caritas,” Rufus Wainwright’s “Bloom,” John Corigliano’s “One Sweet Morning,” and John Legend’s “If You’re Out There.” September 9 at 4pm. St. Paul’s Chapel, 209 Broadway.
At 5pm, the chorus will lead a community sing in Central Park (enter between 59th and 60th Streets). Join the outdoor congregation that will come together to sing “Give Us Hope” by composer Jim Papoulis; several videos that teach soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts for the song are available at www.septemberconcert.org.
At 8:30pm, the group will join the Trinity Choir, the New York City Master Chorale, the Copley Singers from Boston, the Bethlehem Bach Choir of Pennsylvania, and the Washington Chorus in a memorial concert at Trinity Church, at 74 Trinity Place.
Finally, on September 11 at 7pm, the chorus will stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 460 Madison Avenue for a special 10th anniversary memorial concert as part of the cathedral’s annual 9/11 commemorations. The chorus will be joined by the New York Choral Society conducted by John Daly Goodwin and the Cathedral Choir of St. Patrick conducted by Dr. Jennifer Pascual.
At the third annual World Trade Center Run to Remember, which takes place on Governors Island, participants can run or walk in honor of those who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. The event features three different races: a 5K for serious competitors, a 3K family fun run/walk, and a children’s fun run (various distances based on age). Proceeds benefit organizations associated with September 11-related services. September 4, 9:30-11am start times. $35 in advance; $40 on event day. Governors Island (take the free, seven-minute ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street; see www.govisland.com for ferry schedule).
Wave Hill in Riverdale will hold two family events that artistically observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Guest artist Randy Brozen will lead a Family Art Project: Paper Circles for Remembrance and Renewal workshop. Family members will make their own paper and shape it as a circle to reflect the changing seasons and cycles of life, then grace their circles with a yarn-loop hanger, or seeds to grow later. 10am-1pm. Later, visitors are invited to inscribe or illustrate strips of natural-fiber paper with personal reflections on the anniversary for a Wind Elegy. The many flag-strips will be affixed to the pergola to flutter gently in the breeze. At week’s end, the papers will be composted to rest in the garden. 12-4pm. FREE. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx.
Before You Go
Read How to Talk to Your Kids About 9/11
Remembrance through Service
Honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the attacks by leding a hand in your community. Read about how and why to volunteer with your kids
