Ways to mark September 11 in NYC

The 9/11 Memorial Museum, located where the Twin Towers once stood, explores the history of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The museum houses artifacts, historical records, firefighting equipment and a memorial exhibition. 

While it's closed to visitors on September 11, it's open most days during the rest of the week. Adult general admission costs $36. Every Wednesday afternoon at 1pm, a bagpipe tribute honors those who died on 9/11 as well as those who are sick or who have died from exposure to hazards and toxins in the aftermath of 9/11. Bagpipers play near the Last Column and the 9/11 Memorial Glade.

Every spring in New York City, millions of bright yellow daffodils emerge from the ground, the surest sign of sunnier days ahead. But in September, they pop up again because, every fall, these beautiful blooms are planted in memory of 9/11 victims through The Daffodil Project.

This fall, the tradition continues with weekend events across all five boroughs. Volunteers who register will head home with free daffodil bulbs and locally sourced pollinator seeds—think asters, monkeyflower and goldenrod—provided in partnership with the NYC Parks Plant Ecology Center. The idea is simple: Come spring, those plantings will erupt into a blaze of color that doubles as both civic beautification and a poignant reminder of collective memory.

Registration for bulbs has already maxed out—demand fills quickly every year—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. New Yorkers can still sign up to volunteer at distribution sites, helping with everything from bagging bulbs to welcoming fellow participants.