Katie Griesinger ETE September 29, 2005

Exhibit Overview Title- Witness and Response: September 11 Acquisitions at the Library of Congress Dates Exhibit Ran- September 7 through October 26, 2002 This exhibit was created to show the effect the events of September 11 had on the nation and how the nation is dealing with this tragedy. The Library of Congress continues to collect people’s stories, s and artwork to add to their collection.

American Folklife Center: Children’s Art These drawings were sent in to the American Folklife Center by third graders from Sequoyah Elementary School in Knoxville, Tennessee and added to the exhibit at the Library of Congress.

Serial and Government Publications Division The Library of Congress began collecting U.S. and foreign newspapers that contained accounts of the events of September 11 on the afternoon of September 11. They continue collecting these newspaper references up to the present day.

Prints and Photographs Division: Documentary Photographs The Library has collected photographs from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Shanksville, PA crash site that were taken mostly by amateur photographers who were on the scene during and right after the incidents.

Prints and Photographs Division: Exit Art Gallery The staff of the Exit Art gallery in NYC requested that individuals send in creative, 8 ½ by 11in responses to the terrorist attacks of September 11. They displayed 2,443 pieces of artwork that reveal the social, cultural and emotional reactions of the American people. The Library of Congress then acquired all the artwork for its archives.

Prints and Photographs Division: Max Protetch Gallery The Max Protetch Gallery contains over 60 proposals for the redevelopment of the site of the World Trade Center. These proposals were very creative and show the progress of architectural thinking.

Prints and Photographs Division: Political Cartoons The Library of Congress also has a large collection of political cartoons covering the topic of September 11.

Prints and Photographs Division: Posters New York artists decided to attempt to boost the morale of the city using uplifting posters that they spread throughout the city. The Library of Congress now has copies of these.

Fragments Crushed fragments of metal and structural steel from the World Trade Center and limestone from the Pentagon were also on display as tangible evidence of these catastrophic acts of violence.

In Conclusion The Library of Congress has an amazing collection of resources that allow an individual to see how our nation was able to cope with the tragedy of 9/11. The arts ended up being a great outlet for the American people to express their emotions. The exhibit has been put online and is extremely moving to view. This site is a valuable tool to anyone who wishes to learn how 9/11 really affected America.