Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with rare artifacts

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is hosting a special exhibit to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The display features dozens of rare and personal artifacts, including seat belts and a flight attendant call button from United Airlines Flight 93, a purse and wallet recovered from the World Trade Center, and a telephone used by U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson during the attacks.

Museum director Anthea Hartig stated the goal of the exhibit is to help visitors “both never forget, but also kind of reconnect” with the events as a new generation emerges. Some items, such as a beeper from a South Tower employee and a candy dispenser from the Pentagon containing melted chocolate, are being displayed on tables rather than behind glass to provide a more direct connection to the history.

The exhibit comes amid increased scrutiny from President Donald Trump and Republican members of Congress regarding how the museum presents American history. The museum's leadership has recently faced criticism and congressional hearings concerning its historical narratives.