N.J. hopes to reflect resilience in 9/11 museum exhibit

The centerpiece of New Jersey will mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with an exhibit at the State Museum in Trenton.

The yearlong exhibit will include educational programs and displays of artifacts including pieces of steel from the World Trade Center.

Anthony Gardner, museum executive director, said the exhibit has special meaning for him because his brother was one of the victims of the terrorist attacks.

“It’s difficult to look at it and reflect on it, but it’s our duty to do so,” Gardner said. “We owe that to future generations to do this because we can inspire generations to come to terms with the story in the way that New Jersey and the way that our country responded to these terrorist attacks.”

Almost 700 N.J. residents were among the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said the exhibit is intended to be uplifting. 

“This is supposed to be an example of everything that’s good about a community coming together in order to honor a memory and learn from our past,” she said. “But also to very completely understand that tomorrow will be better than today and there is hope coming out of this disaster.”

Some of the materials borrowed from the Port Authority will eventually end up at the 9/11 memorial museum being built in New York City. Other items in the display will become part of the State Museum’s permanent collection.

Gardner hopes the exhibit, which will open Sept. 7, will draw visitors from throughout the region.