Oral Histories
Firsthand accounts from those who experienced September 11, 2001 — their voices ensure these stories are never forgotten.
Oral histories are among the most powerful ways to understand the human experience of September 11th. Through recorded testimonies, survivors, first responders, recovery workers, and family members share their stories in their own words — preserving not just what happened, but how it felt, how it changed lives, and why it matters.
The collections below are maintained by the official memorial sites, universities, and respected cultural institutions. Each represents years of careful work to document and preserve these irreplaceable firsthand accounts.
Collections
Columbia University: September 11, 2001 Oral History Project
Columbia University's Center for Oral History Research collected narratives from New Yorkers documenting their experiences of September 11th and its aftermath.
Explore CollectionLibrary of Congress: September 11 Collection
The Library of Congress American Folklife Center's collection of oral histories, photographs, and personal documents related to September 11, 2001.
Explore CollectionVoices Center for Resilience Archive
The Voices Center preserves firsthand accounts and personal narratives from those affected by 9/11 and other acts of mass violence.
Explore Collection9/11 Memorial & Museum Oral Histories
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum's collection of recorded testimonies from survivors, first responders, recovery workers, and family members.
Explore CollectionStoryCorps September 11th Initiative
StoryCorps collected stories from more than 600 people directly affected by 9/11, creating one of the largest oral history projects about that day.
Explore CollectionTheir Voices Live On
Every story shared keeps the memory of September 11th alive for future generations.