Addressing the 9/11 Memory Gap Through Education

The pledge to “Never Forget” the events of September 11, 2001, is now a promise that relies on education. More than 100 million Americans have no memory of the attacks. To help address this gap, the Pentagon is preparing to break ground on a long-awaited Visitor Education Center at the last of the three 9/11 attack sites without a dedicated museum or education center.

The new center aims to help Americans understand what happened on September 11, 2001, and why it remains significant. Joseph Kornhoff, executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, highlighted the importance of creating a personal connection for nearly one-third of Americans who either were not alive or have no recollection of the day. Kornhoff shared these insights in an interview, emphasizing the impact of providing a deeper understanding of the gravity of the attacks.

Meanwhile, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York faces a similar challenge. Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the museum, noted that the passage of time makes the vow to “Never Forget” even more critical as the firsthand memories of the attacks fade. She stated that a significant portion of the current population was either not born or too young to remember that day.

Noah Rauch, the museum’s senior vice president for education and public programs, discussed the transition from memory to history. He observed this through engagement with students and teachers, highlighting the growing divide between those who recall the events and those learning about them secondhand.

As younger generations learn about 9/11, the importance of factual education becomes crucial, particularly in the face of conspiracy theories and false narratives circulating online. Kornhoff stressed the need for the education center to equip young people with accurate information and dispel harmful myths.

The Pentagon center will feature 10 exhibits portraying the human stories of the attack, including those of the 184 people killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77. It will also tell the stories of first responders and military personnel involved.

Education about 9/11 extends beyond museums, as federal lawmakers are considering new initiatives. Representatives Elise Stefanik and Josh Gottheimer introduced bipartisan legislation to direct the Department of Education to review how 9/11 is taught in schools and identify instructional gaps.

The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Visitor Education Center received $12 million in federal funding this year, supplemented by $1 million from Virginia and private contributions. It is scheduled to open by the end of 2029 near the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. The center will include interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and firsthand accounts from survivors and victims’ families, offering additional context about the attack and its aftermath.