National Archives News

Remembering 9/11

 

Large US flag on Pentagon after 9/11

The National Archives safeguards many records related to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, including those of the 9/11 Commission, the 9/11 Federal Aviation Administration records, and the records of the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Most of us remember where we were and how life changed that day. As an agency with facilities in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California, the immediacy of the events felt that much closer to our homes and workplaces.

Left: Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry render honors as firefighters and rescue workers unfurl an American flag at the Pentagon. (Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Pendergrass) View in National Archives Catalog

 

On Exhibit

Bullhorn used by President George W Bush at Ground ZeroFeatured artifact: Bullhorn used by President Bush at Ground Zero in New York City, September 14, 2001. (George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum)

DocsTeach

 

Blogs and Social Media

First Pitch Showcased in All American Exhibit Demonstrates How Sports Helped Unite Nation After 9/11

President George W Bush throwing out first pitch at World Series

The photo of President Bush throwing out the first pitch of the World Series remains a symbol of a step toward a return to normalcy following the attacks, both for New York City and the United States. More

‘In our New York office: A day like no other’

World Trade Center after plane crash on September 11, 2001

On the anniversary of the attacks, we reprint the firsthand account from staff at the National Archives at New York City. (National Archives News) More

Images from 9/11

9/11 Commission Records at the National Archives

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, aka the 9/11 Commission, was an independent, bipartisan commission created by Congress to provide a "full and complete accounting" of the 9/11 attacks. The Commission operated from 2003 to 2004 and held hearings, conducted interviews, and issued a final report. 

When the 9/11 Commission closed on August 21, 2004, it transferred legal custody of its records (approximately 570 cubic feet of textual records alone) to the National Archives. As part of the Legislative Branch, the Commission’s records are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. 

Due to the collection’s volume and the large percentage of national security classified files, the National Archives staff continues to process these materials.

9/11 Commission Resources Online

 

9/11 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Records

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compiled records to support internal and external investigations of the events. This collection consists of 126 cubic feet of textual, audio, and electronic files.

 

At the Presidential Libraries

William J. Clinton Library

George W. Bush Library

Barack Obama Library

Donald J. Trump Library

 

Building the World Trade Center

"Constructing the World Trade Center" - VISION USA, No. 06, 1972 (National Archives Identifier 58975)

World Trade Center Photographs from the DOCUMERICA Project

World Trace Center Twin Towers in 1970s

World Trace Center Twin Towers in 1970s

World Trace Center Twin Towers in 1970s

World Trace Center Twin Towers in 1970s

 

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