To help them understand the significance of the day, a team of social studies teachers transformed the library into a 9/11 Remembrance Museum. American flags hung throughout the room, setting a tone of pride and respect. Eighteen stations focused on aspects of the day and what has taken place since through newspapers, magazines, videos, documentaries, websites, fact sheets and a timeline.

During each social studies class, sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students visited the museum. Students were expected to work at a minimum of five stations, write a summary of each, and then reflect, in writing, upon what was learned, how they felt or what they thought of the experience.

Dr. Gary Jansen, principal, said the 9/11 Remembrance Museum is important for the students because “they’ve heard about it, and they understand something terrible happened, but they don’t have a clear understanding of it until they see the images, hear the stories or watch the interviews that capture the impact September 11 had on human life.”

“You can tell by their reactions that some of this is a shock to them,” he said.

At a reading station, copies of the front pages of newspapers such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times with dates from 2001 and beyond filled the table; a figurine of a firefighter in a salute pose sat in the center. A different reading station focused on the facts about Islam and Muslims, being tolerant and understanding terrorism.

Several televisions were placed around the library showing videos or documentaries. “Report from Ground Zero” featured rescue workers in New York City who experienced September 11. On the Promethean board, a PowerPoint showed images of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, a map of Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and New York, and definitions of key terms associated with September 11.

Another station, called “Dark Days in U.S. History,” noted dates such as the start of the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle and the Oklahoma City bombing.

A writing station encouraged students to ponder ideas about patriotism and pride or heroes and bravery, or to write a letter to the president, a rescue worker, a victim’s family or write a poem in remembrance.

Tameria Mitchell, a seventh-grader, said the timeline stood out for her.

“It showed how many people were killed in a short amount of time,” said Mitchell.

When asked if she remembered anything from September 11, 2001, she said, “I remember seeing my granny crying. I was 2. And my mom rushed home from work.”

Mitchell watched segments of a documentary, “24 Hours at Ground Zero,” and found it interesting. From the museum, she has a different understanding of what happened.

“I learn easier when I get to see things. I used to wonder why September 11 was so important. When I saw the display, I understood it more,” she said.

In her reflection summary, she wrote: “I learned more than I thought I knew. During this time I was really emotional to think of all those innocent people who died. I think the exhibit was wonderful and thoughtful.”

Rachel Dofing, social studies teacher, helped organize the museum.

“I want students to understand the magnitude of the events and how deeply it affected the American people,” said Dofing. She saved newspapers and magazines from the first anniversary of the attacks. She organized a similar museum in 2002 when she worked for Riverview Gardens School District.