A series of upcoming workshops will address program development for the Memorial Museum

A series of upcoming workshops will invite members of the public to give input into program development for the Memorial Museum dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. The museum, through its resource center, exhibitions, and educational programs, hopes to tell the individual stories of the victims of the World Trade Center attacks and recall the contributions made around the world toward rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.

The workshops, which are being organized by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York, and New York New Visions, are part of an effort to offer people the opportunity to discuss their expectations for the museum component of the WTC Memorial "Reflecting Absence."

Each workshop will feature a presentation on the preliminary concepts for exhibitions developed by curatorial planners Howard+Revis Design Services, Inc., institutional planning consultant LORD Cultural Resources Planning and Management, Inc., and the LMDC's Memorial Center Advisory Committee. These preliminary concepts are themselves based on recommendations provided by the public. Proposed plans for the display of a variety of artifacts -- from personal objects of everyday life in the Twin Towers to large pieces of steel rescued from the wreckage of the site -- will also be presented for public feedback.

"Some of the objects the Memorial Museum will contain are extremely powerful in themselves, and when placed in an historical context those evocative pieces will visually and emotionally document the ongoing story of all that was lost," LMDC President Stefan Pryor said in a statement. "We are offering family members and other stakeholders an additional opportunity to help guide the process and ensure that the Memorial Museum tells the countless stories of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993."

The first workshop was held on September 19. The second workshop will be held on October 11 at 6 p.m. at the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies (Woolworth Building, 15 Barclay Street). The sessions will offer attendees the chance to break into smaller groups and discuss their thoughts on the preliminary programming concepts.

Interested participants in the October 11 workshops must register on-line via the LMDC or Civic Alliance website or contact the Civic Alliance at (212) 253-2727 ext. 317.

The Memorial Center Advisory Committee's Final Recommendations are available on the LMDC website at www.RenewNYC.com/memorial, and the forum presentation on the Memorial Museum will be available as of September 15.All comments received will help guide the programming of the Memorial Museum under the direction of a museum director to be hired by the LMDC and WTC Memorial Foundation. The public can also offer input into the recommendations through November 15 on the LMDC's website at www.RenewNYC.com.

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