It’s hard to believe that this September marks the 25th anniversary of September 11. Many of us were here to witness it, but our children are growing up with it as an important part of history, and especially New York history. We’ve rounded up events happening throughout New York that give families an opportunity to learn, reflect, and remember together. We commemorate this day; we remember those we lost, and we will never, ever forget.
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9/11 Memorial Events and Activities for NYC Families
The Father Mychal Judge 9/11 Walk of Remembrance
FDNY Engine Company 1 and Ladder Company 24, 31st St. and 7th Ave., Midtown South, Manhattan
Sunday, Sept. 6, 9:30 am – noon
All ages
Free
Honor the memory of those lost on 9/11 by tracing the path of Father Mychal Judge in the spirit of prayer and remembrance. All are invited to walk down 7th Avenue, the route that Father Mychal and so many others traveled that fateful day. Among others, FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD will be honored as we pray and remember.
A Light and a Prayer
Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30 pm
Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island, Brooklyn
All ages
Free
Each year on Sept. 10th, families, responders, volunteers, and friends gather at the Wall for candle lighting. FDNY and NYPD chaplains offer prayers, but the loveliest part of the evening is the stories. Friends and Family love to share stories of their loved ones– not to mourn, but to celebrate them. It’s an evening filled with love, laughter and light.
Table of Silence Project 9/11
Josie Robertson Plaza, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, Manhattan
Friday, Sept. 11, 8 – 9 am
All ages
Free
An annual, free public performance ritual and call to action for peace, Table of Silence Project 9/11 was conceived and choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi in 2011 to commemorate the loss of life and honor the bravery of all individuals affected by acts of terror, war, and oppression of freedom. At the sound of the conch, a multitude of 150+ Peace Warrior dancers and musicians ascend onto Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza, led by luminaries Principal Artist Terese Capucilli, violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain, and spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph. New this year is a reimagining of Buglisi’s Requiem, opening the program.
Remembering 9/11 at The New York City Fire Museum
New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., Hudson Square, Manhattan
Friday, Sept. 11, 10 am – 5 pm
All ages
$3 – $15
Visit the recently reopened New York City Fire Museum and explore its permanent September 11th Memorial. Their extensive collection offers a comprehensive look at the history of firefighting in New York City.
Craft Corner: Tree Resist Painting
Morrisania Library, 610 East 169th St., Morrisania, The Bronx
Friday, Sept. 11, 2 – 3 pm
Ages 12 and younger
Free
Join the library for a thoughtful session honoring 9/11 through story, discussion, and art. The program begins with an age-appropriate intro and open discussion about 9/11, followed by a read-aloud of This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin. Afterwards, children will create a Tree Resist Painting using construction paper, tape, paint, and cotton-ball clothespin brushes. While they craft, they can talk about resilience, share key takeaways, and discuss what they learned.
9/11 Heroes Craft
Queens Public Library Arverne, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne, Queens
Friday, Sept. 11, 2 – 3 pm
Ages 11 and younger
Free
Honor the heroes of 9/11 by visiting the Library for crafts and learning activities that celebrate the courage, service, and resilience of first responders and our community.
Remembrance: 9/11
Trinity Church, 89 Broadway, Financial District, Manhattan
Friday, Sept. 11, 6 – 7:30 pm
All ages
Free
Register in advance
Trinity’s powerful choirs come together to perform a pair of profound works that offer comfort and meditation. Gather in Trinity’s sanctuary to honor the lost and to affirm the enduring promise of the light that awaits beyond darkness with Gabriel Fauré’s stunning Requiem and Morten Lauridsen’s moving Lux Aeterna. Trinity Choir, Trinity Youth Chorus, Downtown Voices, and NOVUS; Melissa Attebury and Stephen Sands, conductors.
Friends of Postcards 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Friends of Postcards, Bank St., St. George, Staten Island
Friday, Sep. 11, 6:30 pm
All ages
Free
Come together to remember and honor the Staten Island residents who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks.
Tribute in Light
200 Liberty St., Lower Manhattan
Friday, Sept. 11, 7:30 pm – 6 am
All ages
Free
Tribute in Light is a commemorative public art installation first presented six months after 9/11 and then every year thereafter, from dusk to dawn, on the night of September 11. It has become an iconic symbol that both honors those killed and celebrates the unbreakable spirit of New York. The installation can also be viewed from a 60-mile radius around Lower Manhattan.
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