Going Behind the Scenes With the 9/11 Memorial Audio Guide App

This fall, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum launched a new app to introduce Memorial visitors and those at home to the events of 9/11, the lives of the victims of the attacks, and the design of the Memorial through a comprehensive and accessible audio guide tour.

The 40-minute tour is narrated by Anthoula Katsimatides, a New Yorker whose brother, John, was killed on 9/11. We talked to Katsimatides about the audio guide, her ongoing work with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the importance of commemorating the lives lost.

What’s was your experience like recording the 9/11 Memorial audio guide?

Recording the 911 Memorial audio guide was truly a moving experience. Because so much attention was paid to getting things right, an excessive amount of detail and nuances of the Memorial need to be explained in such a way to make listeners understand the intricacies and significance behind all that they come across. As a family member, I took that task very seriously. My only hope is that visitors come away with a coherent and truly loving interpretation of this wonderful place with peace in their hearts. And that they never forget. 

Why do you think now is an important time to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum?

Now more than ever, during this unprecedented time, when human connection is lacking, it’s so important to visit the 911 Memorial & Museum. It reminds us of our strength and resilience and ability to get through anything. If we could overcome the events of 911, then we can conquer anything that comes our way.

Tell us about your experience working with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Are there any standout highlights from your involvement with the institution over the years?

I have been involved with the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site and the creation of the Memorial and the Museum almost immediately following 9/11. It has been an honor to work with people through the years who are steadfastly committed to educating the world about the events of 9/11 and its aftermath, to preserving the memory of all those lost, and to ensuring that we never forget.

My fondest memory was the opening of the Memorial. The sun was out, the sky was blue, the canopy of trees provided shade for children playing in the grass, the sound of the rushing water was calming. These were all life-affirming elements that contributed to the majestic presence of this Memorial. I could feel the souls of all those beautiful people dancing in the wind. Rubbing my fingers across my brother’s name brought peace into my heart knowing that he would be forever memorialized, even after I’m long gone. 

Learn more about the design and history of the 9/11 Memorial, and download the audio guide app from the Apple App Store.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff