Messages To Those We’ve Lost: 9/11 Memorial Railings

Michael Lorenzini

In the early years after 9/11, family members gathered at the base of the World Trade Center site on the anniversaries of the terrorist attack. They left tributes and inscribed messages of love and loss on the wooden supports for the temporary reflecting pools constructed on the footprints of the two World Trade Center towers. Municipal Archives staff collected many of the items and wooden supports after the commemorative ceremonies from 2002 through 2009. This banner shows some images of the supports with transcribed messages in the background

In this 20th anniversary year of the 9/11 terrorist attack, these images of the wooden supports and their inscriptions remind us of that day and its impact on New York and the world. They provide an opportunity to reflect on our personal and collective loss. Resilience, hope, and community are reflected in the notes, remembrances, symbols, and dedications written on the supports. Reading and experiencing these messages, we hope this presentation will serve as a place of community connection, a common theme that continues to inspire recovery in New York City.

Artist Bios

Stephen Mallon

Stephen Mallon is a photographer whose work focuses on construction sites, machinery and engineering. He has been commissioned by and his work featured online and in print for numerous outlets, including New York Magazine, Wired, GQ, Feature Shoot, PDN, The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune, amongst others. His work has been exhibited widely, including during several photo festivals. Mallon’s work has been honored by Communication Arts, Photo District News, the New York Photo Festival, the Lucie Awards, Woodstock Film Festival, Look 3 Festival and the Bristol Biennial. Stephen is represented by Front Room Gallery in Brooklyn, NY.

Organizations

NYC Department of Records & Information Services

Established in 1977, the Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) preserves and provides public access to historical and contemporary records and information about New York City government. They operate the Municipal Archives, the Municipal Library, and the Records Center.

Messages To Those We’ve Lost: 9/11 Memorial Railings

archive : 2021

Featuring: Stephen Mallon

Curated by: Alexandra Dolan-Mescal

Presented by: NYC Department of Records & Information Services

Locations

View Location Details Brooklyn Bridge Park – Pier 3

Brooklyn
NY

This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
Explore other locations and exhibitions nearby

Monday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Tuesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Wednesday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Thursday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Friday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Saturday 6:00 am - 1:00 am
Sunday 6:00 am - 1:00 am

Art Direction: Alexandra Dolan-Mescal
Photography: Stephen Mallon
Graphic Design: Quinn Bolewicki
Transcription: Saadia Islam
Curated by: Alexandra Dolan-Mescal

This website was made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of