NYC Fire Museum commemorates 9-11 heroes

On the one-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York City Fire Museum opened a permanent exhibit honoring the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. The exhibit memorializes the fallen firefighters and chronicles the events of September 11, 2001, through artifacts, words, pictures, sights and sounds.

"We wanted to create a space where the firemen's families and other people could come to reflect and heal," said exhibit curator Don Mistretta, himself the son of a former New York City firefighter.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a six-by-nine-foot memorial wall containing the names and ranks of the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center, together with their photographs and badges. Two rectangular openings cut into the center of the wall represent the twin towers. At the base of the wall, visitors have placed flowers and candles.

A NYC fireman views exhibit

In other parts of the exhibit, photographs and artifacts document the events of that day and let visitors examine their impact on the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). Mistretta reviewed more than 10,000 items to assemble the exhibit.

"One of the museum's primary missions is to preserve the history of the FDNY," said Joann Kay, the museum's director. "September 11 is one of the most significant events to happen in the history of the department."

A photographic timeline chronicles the events of September 11 and documents the heroic efforts of the firefighters who responded to the World Trade Center attack. The timeline includes many previously unreleased photographs from the FDNY. Visitors also can access information in an interactive media room. A video screen plays footage of the recovery effort, and photographs reflect the varied responses to the terrorist attack.

Artifacts on display include tools and equipment from the World Trade Center site, a nozzle from fire company Engine 10, located across the street from the World Trade Center site, the damaged helmet of an unknown firefighter, a broken radio, a damaged breathing tank, hydrant covers and flashlights.

The New York City Fire Museum is housed in a three-story firehouse, which dates back to 1904. It contains one of the nation's most important collections of fire-related art and artifacts from the late 18th century to the present.

NYC Fire Museum on Spring Street