If you visit the National September 11 Memorial Museum at ground zero, be prepared: it’s almost overwhelming. The journey of remembrance begins below ground, seven stories beneath the 9/11 Memorial, where the twin towers used to stand.
Among the many artifacts on display: the battered, rusted exterior spine of the original World Trade Center, and the voices of several victims’ last words, donated by their families.
Also visible: the stairs where so many people ran to escape, and exit doors –- not from that day, but for museum visitors who find it difficult to continue through the exhibit.
Brian Williams recently visited the museum’s director, Alice Greenwald. Watch the video below to hear about the clothing store in Manhattan that was covered in dust and preserved for nearly 13 years; it now serves as a memorial.
The museum will be dedicated on Thursday, and opens to the public on May 21. Read more about it here.
