Objects That Remember 911 | Entertainment and Celebrity News

0:00It's September 10th. This is Entertainment and celebrity news today, your AI-powered source for all things entertainment. The National Museum of American History is marking the 25th anniversary of September 11th with a special exhibit. They're showing off dozens of objects that tell the story of that day, many of them personal and rarely seen. Think Seabeld's from Flight 93, a purse from the World Trade Center site, and even the phone from which Barbara Olsen called her husband, before the plane crashed. This exhibit is different because the items are laid out on tables, not behind glass, and some are so delicate they might never be displayed again. The museum's director wants people to remember, but also to connect with the events, especially for a younger generation who didn't live through it. She mentioned how September 11th is now slipping into history, moving from immediate memory to something that needs to be preserved. You'll see items like a beaper from someone who worked on the 97th floor of the South Tower, or a candy dispenser from the Pentagon with, melted chocolate inside.

1:03These everyday objects bring a powerful human element to the tragedy, reminding us of the lives impacted. Interestingly, this exhibit comes at a time when the Smithsonian is facing some heat from certain politicians. There have been hearings and reports questioning how the museum presents American history, with some pushing for a more unified narrative. The museum director, however, stated that this political climate didn't affect the planning of the September 11th exhibit, emphasizing the, museum's role as a place of memory. The Smithsonian is also preparing for a leadership change, with Lonnie Bunch stepping down. His successor will be chosen by a board of regents. Despite the complexities of transitions and political pressures, the director expressed confidence in the public's ability to grapple with the difficult parts of their past.