Objects and Memories

 Every American was attacked on September 11, 2001. Of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, 153 lived, worked, or had relatives in Connecticut.

9/11 is a water-shed event in contemporary history. Those of us who are old enough will never forget where we were when we heard or saw the attacks unfold. Understanding the importance of this, the Connecticut Historical Society started to collect related objects. For many victims’ families, the location where a loved one died and the objects associated with that location are imbued with great significance. For example, ordinary materials like steel or marble from Ground Zero take on an extraordinary power because they are the few tangible remains of the Twin Towers. Artifacts come to represent the event itself.

On 9/11, the Hanson family lost their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild: Peter, Sue Kim, and 2 ½-year-old Christine (the youngest victim) were on Flight 175 on their way to California, looking forward to a family vacation. After the tragedy, the City of New York gave the Hanson family a sculpture memorial created by world renowned artist Bryan Hunt in 2002. The piece is made out of steel recovered from the World Trade Center site.

This object and more are available at the Connecticut Historical Society.

The Connecticut Historical Society developed an award-winning, multi-media exhibitabout 9/11 in 2006. Presented with the support of Liz and Steven Goldstone and the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism,September 11, 2001: Connecticut Responds and Reflects provides a historical perspective on a tragedy and pays homage to Connecticut’s victims who lost their lives that day. 

This year’s installation includes photographs of how people have responded to and reflected upon the contemporary event, an audio/video station where visitors can listen to oral histories, newscasts, and musical compositions related to 9/11. A focal point of the exhibit is CT’s 9/11 Memorial Library, which includes 153 elegant linen binders filled with public information, family photos, letters, and poems created in memory of each victim. Also on display is the “Connecticut Remembers” Memorial Board, which was first started by the Office of Family Support and traveled throughout Connecticut before it was donated to the Connecticut Historical Society and incorporated into the exhibit.

September 11, 2001: Connecticut Responds and Reflects will be on display at the Ridgefield Recreation Center (195 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877) from August 19 through September 19, 2010. It is free and open to the public Monday through Friday 6 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Ridgefield Recreation Center is located at 195 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877