SIM-23: The 9/11 Documentation Project

Collection

Identifier: SIM-23

Staff Only

SIM-23 PDF Finding Aid

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Abstract

This collection contains administrative files pertaining to the implementation by the CSI Archives and Special Collections of the 9/11 documentation project. Also included in this collection are photographs, newspaper clippings, video, and audio documenting the Staten Island response to September 11th, 2001. Please see the linked finding aid for folder listings.

Dates

Creation: 2001 - 2007

Biographical / Historical

The Archives and Special Collections of the CSI Library, building on a mission to document recent history on Staten Island, embarked on a public information and archival documentation project to preserve historical resources that will aid future researchers to understand the immediate response of Staten Islanders to September 11th. September 11th had an immense impact on Staten Island. A large percentage of Staten Islanders work in lower Manhattan and many were commuting to jobs at or around the World Trade Center on September 11th. The number of victims from the Staten Island community was disproportionately high and most people on Staten Island knew one or more of the victims or victims’ families. In addition, the large population of police and firefighters on Staten Island contributed to the tremendous local impact of the tragedy. For months after the event and memorial services, the impact of September 11 th lingered as Staten Island’s Fresh Kills Landfill accepted the debris of the World Trade Center.

With funding from the NYS Archives Documentary Heritage Program, CSI’s Archives and Special Collections surveyed documentation, established relationships with community organizations, and educated the public on the importance of recording, documenting, and preserving the materials related to Staten Island’s response to the events of 9/11. The Archives received materials from public memorials such as the Garden of Healing at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Angels Circle – a spontaneous memorial that has grown into a permanent memorial for the victims from Staten Island, and the World Trade Center Cross at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House. In addition, the Archives and Special Collections collected materials from schools and churches, local elected officials, and community groups. Photographs, speeches, programs from memorial events, and newspaper clippings make up the rest of the collection. In addition to the Guide to Resources Documenting Staten Island’s Response to 9/11 at the CSI Library, the project also included the creation of a Guide to Resources Documenting Staten Island’s Response to 9/11 at Other Institutions.

Extent

2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection contains material documenting the response of Staten Islanders to the events of September 11th. It also contains administrative files belonging to the team working on the documentation project. The collection covers the years 2001 through 2007. The collection is organized in six series, described below:

Administrative Files: This series includes files compiled by staff members working on the documentation project. Included are meeting agendas, correspondence with potential subjects, newspaper clippings, and informational files on donors.

Memorials: This series includes photographs and descriptions of memorials constructed on Staten Island. The memorials are identified mostly by location, although two memorials are identified by the format of the memorial. Memorials are listed alphabetically.

Newspaper Clippings: This series contains newspaper clippings dating from September and October, 2001.

Advertisements: This series includes advertisements published in local papers, memorializing those lost during the events of September 11th. The advertisements are organized chronologically.

Religious Responses: This series documents the activities of religious organizations after September 11th. Included are sermons and programs.

School Projects: This series contains the documentation of projects undertaken by primary and secondary school students. Included in this series are photographs of completed projects and event programs.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was amassed in conjunction with a documentation project carried out by staff members of the CSI Library Archives and Special Collections. The project was made possible by a New York State Archives Documentary Heritage Grant.