NYC Latino 9-11 Collecting Initiative

Soon after the attacks of September 11, the National Museum of American History began collecting objects to document and preserve the material record of this important event in American history. The collecting priorities focused on the attacks, the response and rescue efforts, and the commemoration that followed. Congress designated the museum as the official repository for September 11 collections, so artifacts could be preserved permanently to help future generations of historians and visitors comprehend the horrific events of September 11, their roots, and their long-term consequences.

In 2018, with funding from the Smithsonian Latino Center, the National Museum of American History launched the New York City Latino 9-11 Collecting Initiative to expand the narratives of the National September 11 Collection, identifying Latina/o/x stories, objects, and archival materials to create content and visibility for the community.

The city’s 27% Latinx population in 2001 tells a broader story of belonging and hurt, showing both the everyday heroes who worked 12-hour shifts during the rescue efforts, and the emotional and physical labor of educators and social workers who volunteered time and resources amid the devastation, reminding us of the chaos, the bravery, the loss, and the unity felt that horrifying day.

The NYC Latino 9-11 Collecting Initiative aims to collect and preserve artifacts that speak to the displaced employees. At least 3,000 related jobs were lost and dozens of Latinx small businesses were forced to close. Among the recovery workers, a large percentage of the cleanup crew was Latinx. Close to 10% of the missing or dead victims from the attacks were Latinx—undocumented or not, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike. The stories of first responders, the ill and the dying, community-based nonprofits and volunteers who sought to bring them aid, are all crucial to achieving our goals.

The initiative worked with a wide variety of people and organizations including the Mexican Consulate in New York City, the Mexican Cultural Institute, the New York City Committee for Occupational Health and Safety, social workers from Alianza Dominicana, and volunteers like lawyer Debra Steinberg, who provided free legal aid to undocumented September 11 victims and their families. Examples of sought-after collections include commemorative artwork, clothing, and accessories worn during the attacks and aftermath, archival material documenting ongoing legal and medical battles, uniforms and gear from first responders, and oral histories with the people affected and those who aided them.

We recognize the difficult conversations that arise from our work, especially when considering immigration status and post-traumatic stress. This project is part of a global discussion of ethical challenges around community-based collecting. We are investigating alongside our collaborators and donors how to better serve our communities, to listen to their stories, to discover new potential collections, and to find appropriate and respectful ways to present a more complete interpretation of their contributions to the national September 11 narrative.

Recent acquisitions

Univision journalist Blanca Rosa Vilchez’s blouse and jacket
Peruvian-American Univision journalist Blanca Rosa Vilchez was near the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, to cover the city’s primary elections. After witnessing the collapse of the Twin Towers, she ran for her life but stayed on the scene, reporting the news about the attacks for Univision. She continued to report on the events for three days straight. She had selected this blue jewel toned blouse and black jacket specifically for that day because the weather forecast predicted a blue-sky day. She never wore these clothes again.

First responder Ivonne Coppola Sanchez’s subway advertisement
Puerto Rican Ivonne Coppola Sanchez donated a sweatshirt she wore as a New York Fire Department Emergency Medical Services first responder at Ground Zero, searching for survivors. She worked to set up a makeshift morgue, during which New York-based photographer Joel Meyerowitz captured a portrait in which she wore the sweatshirt. Non-profit organization New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health used her portrait in their city-wide Spanish outreach campaign to support Latino workers at risk due to the debris from the events of September 11.

Community organizer Milagros Batista’s blouse and jewelry
Milagros Batista, co-founder and former head of community outreach at Alianza Dominicana, wore this white blouse and jewelry to a vigil for the families and survivors of September 11. Batista, along with a group of social workers, family members of victims, and survivors, launched an art healing program called “Heart to Heart” for children and adults. The program also provided food and rent relief for families post September 11.