Oral History with Virginia Bauer

Oral history interview with Virginia Bauer and Amy Weinstein on March 25, 2024.

Virginia ("Ginny") Bauer is a 9/11 family member a Founding Trustee of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. In this interview, Bauer reflects on her upbringing in Monmouth County, New Jersey, her lifelong relationship with W. David Bauer, whom she first met in grammar school, and their marriage, family life, and careers before September 11. She recounts David's career in finance, his final months at Cantor Fitzgerald, and the events of September 11, including their last conversation and the challenges of navigating the immediate aftermath of his death while raising their three children. Bauer discusses how grief motivated her to become one of the earliest and most prominent advocates for victims' families, describing her successful efforts to secure federal tax relief legislation, her role in shaping the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund alongside Kenneth Feinberg, and her work with elected officials and policymakers. She also reflects on her involvement in the creation of the 9/11 Commission, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), and the development of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where she continues to serve as a Founding Trustee and co-chair of the Collections Committee. Throughout the interview, Bauer emphasizes the importance of balancing compassion with pragmatism, preserving the dignity of victims and their families, and ensuring that the history of September 11 continues to educate future generations. She concludes by reflecting on the enduring nature of grief, her pride in transforming personal tragedy into meaningful public service, and her hope that her advocacy honors David's memory and serves as a lasting legacy for her family.