World Trade Center items donated to U.S. Marshals Museum

by Tina Alvey Dale ([email protected]) 1,107 views 

A view of the U.S. Marshals Museum in downtown Fort Smith.

The U.S. Marshals Service Southern District donated four items related to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York to the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith. The items were donated in honor of the more than 50 U.S. Marshals who responded to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, noted a media release.

“As a former New York State Police officer and first responder on 9/11, these pieces capture the courage of the U.S. Marshals who put their lives on the line to protect our country,” said Michael Greco, United States Marshal for the SDNY. “We’re proud to share these items with the United States Marshals Museum so people from all over the world can reflect on these brave individuals’ actions.”

The donated items are an original piece of World Trade Center (WTC) steel and three shadow boxes. One Shadow box features a signed copy of “The Cathedral,” a famous photograph of the south wall of the WTC after the attack; photographs of U.S. Marshals’ response efforts; and the American flag flown at the WTC site on Sept. 24, 2019 for the 230th anniversary of the United States Marshals Service.

“We are humbled to receive this donation from such an important moment in the history of the U.S. Marshals Service and our nation,” said David Kennedy, curator of collections and exhibits of the United States Marshals Museum. “These items have a special meaning given their source, and we look forward to using them to tell the story of the incredible job done by the Marshals Service.”

USMM Foundation President Alice Alt said Thursday (Dec. 12) CDI Contractors should complete the museum building within days.

“I expect them to hand over the keys and for us to be able to move our offices in there in January,” Alt said.

The museum still has an outstanding $15 million needed in its capital campaign, with $8 million of that for the museum’s guest experience design and construction, Alt said. President Patrick Weeks said they are hopeful for a late 2020 grand opening for the museum.

“We are moving fast and furiously to raise the remaining needed,” Alt said.