Memory of Museum Inspires Young Visitor
Memory of Museum Inspires Young Visitor
- July 6, 2022
Megan Jones, our Vice President of Education Programs, recently shared a touching note she received from an out-of-state family following their visit to the Museum and Memorial.
"As we go about our daily work," Jones said, "It's easy to forget the lasting impact our space and programs can have on people."
The family graciously allowed us to share the note providing we kept their location and daughter's name anonymous.
In the last year, we have visited the memorial on two occasions. Our 9 year old daughter has autism and didn’t really say much during our first visit, so we weren’t sure how it was impacting her. After, we visited with a firefighter at Ten House and just walked the grounds. She was pretty excited about that experience because she got her picture with her firefighter Curious George stuffie and FNDY firefighter. She never really said much more about the experience after that.
A while later after we returned, I noticed she was building something with her Legos. I asked her what it was and she told me it was the Memorial (with remembrance flowers), also adding the Survivor Tree, Freedom Tower and a tour desk/gift shop. I guess that visit did sink in.
To be honest, her creation brought me to tears. I was so proud of her for expressing herself (which is very challenging for her) and wanted to share this with you, as the mark you are making is more than words can express. I know she’s talked about the experience to us and we have shown her documentaries. I hope she continues this quest for knowledge. Autism is a gift, and it’s evidenced by how our daughter took in her visit and expressed her feelings and what she saw through a Lego creation.
By 9/11 Memorial Staff
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