People from Hispanic and Latino communities in New York City—and many others with connections far beyond the greater New York area—were among the millions who experienced the direct and indirect impacts of the 9/11 terror attacks. In 2001, over a quarter of the City’s population was comprised of residents who identified as Hispanic or Latino and were fluent Spanish speakers. At least 250 of the 2,977 victims of the attacks were also Latino, a number that includes workers at Windows on the World, corporate employees and contractors, military personnel, emergency responders, and others. Countless more witnessed the attacks firsthand and were represented among responders who rushed to help and later stayed to aid the rescue and recovery operations. The massive cleanup of businesses, residences, and other spaces near the devastated Trade Center also relied heavily on the efforts of undocumented Hispanic and Latino workers. Many later navigated the complications of obtaining financial compensation and healthcare caused by their exposure to toxic dust, contaminated air, and other conditions generated by the attacks.
As the world mourned the devastating death toll of 9/11, tributes to victims materialized in a diversity of forms and languages, including in Spanish—by 2001, the second-most spoken language in New York City and the United States. Information about resources and aid for affected New York residents was also printed bilingually or exclusively in Spanish text to assist those whose first language was not English.
Stories represented in the Museum’s collection of objects and tributes help to spotlight the variety of individuals and organizations from Hispanic and Latino communities that are central to 9/11’s history. Latino perspectives offer fresh insights into how the day unfolded, who became caught in the escalating crisis, the bravery of both trained and unlikely first responders, and how everyday citizens navigated grief and healing in the years that followed.
The selection of objects featured in this gallery exemplify the diversity of people whose lives intersected with the historically monumental attacks. They also situate the events connected to September 11, 2001 as a story about identity and belonging.
