The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is gathering personal stories of the September 11 attacks from the public in written and recorded form to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.
Through September 11: Stories of a Changed World, the museum aims at building an archival record of 9/11 to be preserved and studied.
“After two decades, the nation continues to feel the lasting effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,” the Smithsonian said in a release. “The outreach effort seeks to create a more robust national collection of objects and stories that include diverse experiences, not only recording and exploring the day and immediate aftermath of September 11, but also the longer-lasting and varied effects on people’s lives. The collection will demonstrate the repercussions of decisions made during the intervening two decades and how they still affect our political, social, and economic discourse.”
To take part in the project, you need to fill out a form including your contact information and your story in response to questions such as:
- How did your life change because of September 11?
- How did you experience September 11?
- How was your daily life changed by the events and policies that followed September 11
- What would you like people to know about how the events affected you?
- What questions do you have about September 11?
- How did your community change after September 11?
- What object will always make you think of September 11?
- You can also upload photos or short videos related to your story.
“We commit to working hand-in-hand with our public to document, record, interpret, and share the ways in which the September 11 attacks have affected the world we live in today. We also commit to sharing the experiences of those who witnessed this tragedy in order to provide understanding for those who have grown up in a world shaped by these events,” the museum stated.
Entries will be published along with the contributor’s first name, last initial, and location (if provided). No other personal information will be made public. Click here to share your 9/11 story with the Smithsonian.