September 11th Initiative
In 2005, StoryCorps began a special initiative to honor and remember the stories and people affected by the events of September 11, 2001. In partnership with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, we’re recording the stories of World Trade Center and Pentagon survivors, firefighters, police officers, rescue workers, MTA workers, witnesses, volunteers, and anyone deeply affected by September 11th in order to preserve their extraordinary personal experiences for history.
We’ve recorded over 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. In September 2008 we were invited to the Pentagon 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 American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and in a special collection at the Museum. This collection serves as a core resource for the Museum’s exhibitions, commemorative programs, its planned digital archive, and future educational programs.
“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 September 11th stories.
How to Participate
Record your story
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 to record your story.
To learn more about the initiative and the interview process, please read our September 11th Initiative frequently asked questions.
Bring StoryCorps to your community
StoryCorps and the Museum are partnering with organizations, companies, and other groups who work with those affected by the events of September 11th. Our staff are trained to be supportive of the people you serve, and we offer specially designed materials to help make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. A StoryCorps interview is a meaningful opportunity for reflection and remembrance. Find out how you can bring StoryCorps to your community.
Contact Us
Please submit an online inquiry form, or call 646-723-7027.
The September 11th Initiative is done in partnership with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
