Families, Responders Get View of Exhibition Planned for 9/11 Museum

September 10, 2012, 3:39 pm

By PATRICIA COHEN

The September 11 museum gave victims' families and first responders a preview Monday of the memorial exhibition that will eventually be the main attraction in the underground museum at the World Trade Center plaza.

Many families, in town to observe the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks, expressed admiration for the tributes to each of the 2,977 people killed while at the same time they complained about the financial dispute that may delay the museum's opening for at least a year.

“They have done a terrific job, and frankly we were a little surprised,” said Al Acquaviva, whose son Paul died in the attacks. “You hear press accounts and all the problems, but it was more than I expected. I felt very good about it.”

The portrait of Paul Acquaviva presented during the preview at the New York Marriott Downtown included photographs, recorded memories by family and friends, and biographical material. Each victim will have a similar portrait once the museum opens.

The museum has worked with Voices of September 11th, a nonprofit started by two family members, to collect pictures, artifacts and recordings.

Other family members were anxious to view portraits of their own relatives, which are still being prepared. “I think it's fabulous,” said K.C. Anthony, whose uncle David Campbell was killed in the attacks, “though obviously we're curious about him.”

In answer to a question about when the financial dispute between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation might be resolved, the foundation's president Joseph Daniels, said, “We're close.”

Any resolution will have to be agreed upon by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Mr. Daniels said the Port Authority was also eager to resolve the stalemate. “They want the stories of what they lost told as well, “ he said.

Gov. Cuomo is reportedly insisting the foundation design a plan to pay for the museum's estimated yearly operating cost of $60 million.

Alice Greenwald, the museum's director, said that the staff has already compiled 2,962 photographic portraits of victims. The “In Memoriam” exhibition will “remember people for how they lived rather than for how they died,” she said.

Museum officials have had to contend with various issues raised by family members, including some who did not think the hijackers' photos should be part of any display. But when officials said Monday they plan on telling the full story of the hijackings, the family members and rescue workers applauded.