WASHINGTON – In a poignant tribute to the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is showcasing a collection of artifacts that narrate the day’s harrowing events through deeply personal stories. Among the items on display are a seat belt and a flight attendant call button from the ill-fated United Airlines Flight 93, a purse with keys and a wallet discovered at the World Trade Center site, and the phone that U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson used when his wife, Barbara, called him from a hijacked airplane.
This special exhibit, running through Saturday, highlights the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and interpreting the history of that tragic day. Displaying these rarely seen objects on tables rather than behind glass gives visitors a more intimate connection to the artifacts. According to the museum’s director, Anthea Hartig, some items are so fragile that they may never be displayed again, making this presentation all the more significant.
The intent of the exhibit is to ensure that younger generations, who did not experience the events of 9/11, can reconnect with this pivotal moment in American history. Hartig emphasized the importance of remembering and understanding the complexities of the past, stating, “This has truly slipped into history rather than being part of our memory landscape.”
Among the showcased items are a beeper belonging to an employee who worked on the 97th floor of the South Tower, evoking a sense of everyday life before the attacks. Additionally, a candy dispenser from the Pentagon, which still contains melted chocolate, serves as a haunting reminder of the chaos that unfolded.
However, the Smithsonian is currently facing scrutiny from political figures, including President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, regarding its historical narratives. The museum has been accused of presenting a biased version of American history that lacks unifying themes. In July, Hartig participated in congressional hearings where lawmakers expressed concerns over the museum’s leadership and approach to American history, raising alarms among historians about potential revisionism.
Despite this political pressure, Hartig affirmed that the scrutiny did not influence the creation of the September 11 exhibit. She stated, “This museum exists as a repository, as a place of memory. And so the current political moment is like many other political moments that we document.”
Looking forward, the Smithsonian Institution is poised for change as Lonnie Bunch, its current leader, announced his plans to step down. His successor will be chosen by a Board of Regents that includes prominent figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.
Hartig acknowledged the complexity of leadership transitions, but she remains optimistic about the ability of Americans to confront and understand their historical complexities. “I wake up every day confident in Americans’ ability to embrace the complexities of their past,” she remarked.
