Menu
  • Collection Home
  •     Browse Collection
  •     Collection Features
  •     Login/Register
  • Visit
  • Learn
  • Connect
  • Support
Skip to main content 9/11 Memorial | Home

Site Navigation

  • Visit
  • Learn
  • Connect
  • Support
Menu
«Museum/Collections/Inside the Collection
  • Home/
  • Browse/
  • Features/
  • My Collection
    • Log In
    • Register
  • Museum Home

Features: Hard Hats and Helmets

BACK
image here

Inspired by metal helmets worn in battle during World War I, hard hats and rescue helmets have protected the heads of construction and demolition workers and others laboring in dangerous occupations in the United States since 1920.

More than an item of personal protective equipment, hard hats and helmets also serve as a canvas for self-expression as they provide a handy and visible surface for declaring one’s patriotism, political views, and trade or union affiliation. At the World Trade Center site after 9/11, the words “Never Forget,” silhouette sketches of the Twin Towers, and names and images of those who had been killed were among the many elements embellishing protective gear worn by recovery workers. The Museum’s collection of hard hats and helmets also includes examples worn during the construction of the original World Trade Center in the 1970s and during the response to the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11.

20 more

Footer

Information about the 9 11 Memorial & Museum

Location

180 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
View on map

  • reservations@911memorial.org
  • (212) 312-8800
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Media Center

Hours

9/11 Memorial, Open Daily
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday-Monday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Get Tickets
  • Museum Store

Learn More

  • Support
  • Careers
  • Calendar
  • Accessibility

Footer navigation

  • Financial & Legal Information
  • Terms of Use/Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Details

Social media links

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright information

© 2019 National September 11 Memorial & Museum 9/11 MEMORIAL is a registered trademark of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum