Watch StoryCorps founder Dave Isay on Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman playing stories from the September 11th Initiative on the seventh year anniversary
In 2005, StoryCorps began a special initiative to honor and remember the stories and people affected by the events of September 11, 2001. We’re recording the stories of World Trade Center and Pentagon survivors, firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, MTA workers, witnesses, volunteers, and anyone closely impacted by September 11th in order to preserve their extraordinary personal experiences for history.
Through our partnership with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, StoryCorps has recorded close to 800 September 11th Initiative interviews to-date. Inviting family members, friends, and coworkers to share and record memories of their loves ones offers a meaningful way to memorialize and celebrate the lives that were lost or impacted by the events of September 11th.
From Henderson, Nevada to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, participants from all over the country have recorded their stories as a part of the September 11th Initiative. We were honored to be invited to the Pentagon in September 2008 to collect over 30 stories in two days from office staff and family members of the victims of the Pentagon attack.
All interviews collected as part of this initiative will be housed in the Library of Congress and in a special collection at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, preserving these powerful and important stories for future generations. These stories will also be exhibited throughout the Museum in relation to various artifacts and themes. Voices and testimonials will provide context and substance to the photos and objects on display.
“His sister idolized him.”
John and Elaine Leinung remember their son, Paul J. Battaglia, who was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Recorded in New York, NY
“How do you think you’ve changed?”
Keith Meerholz and his wife, Grete, talk about his escape from the World Trade Center’s North Tower on September 11, 2001.
Recorded in New York, NY
Listen to more of the stories we’ve collected through the initiative.
Record your story as part of the September 11th Initiative.
Whether you are remembering a loved one or telling your own story about the events of September 11th, StoryCorps is here to help. Families and survivors describe their StoryCorps session as a loving and supportive way to celebrate life. All participants in the September 11th Initiative receive priority access to reservations and special support from staff, so please be sure to indicate that your interview is part of the initiative when making a reservation.
We are still collecting stories and have reservation slots open at our Lower Manhattan StoryBooth. Now is a very good time to make a reservation before the holiday season begins.
Bring the September 11th Initiative to your community
If your company or organization has members who were affected by September 11th, StoryCorps can help preserve these important stories. A StoryCorps interview is a meaningful opportunity for reflection and remembrance. Find out more about our services and resources and how to partner with us.
Contact Us
E-mail us at sept11@storycorps.net or call 646-723-7020 ext. 39.
Visit the September 11th Initiative Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the initiative and the interview process. To
learn more about StoryCorps as an organization, please visit our StoryCorps FAQ page.
Resources for participants and Community Partners
View our suggested questions to help prepare for your September 11th Initiative interview.
Read what people are saying about the initiative.
Listen to Dave Isay on the Brian Lehrer Show on the 5th Anniversary of September 11th.
The September 11th Initiative is done in partnership with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center
