Ground Zero Museum Workshop Tour

My husband and I have been to New York on a number of occasions and always make a point of paying our respects at Ground Zero. However, on this trip we wanted to understand a little more about what the working people of New York experienced on 9/11, so we did a web search to see what came up. The Ground Zero Workshop tour came up as being well worth a visit. I looked at reviews and we made the decision based on recommendations to 'give it a go'. I am so glad we did not miss this exhibition. It was heartwrenching..... but at the same time was so informative that it allowed us to have greater empathy with those involved in the rescue process, as well as those who tragically suffered. The photos by Gary Suson are amazing and each one comes with a story. Some of the stores made me so angry, particularly Deutsche Bank, but others made us reflective such as the Geidel brothers - just go and see for yourself and you will understand what I mean. I doubt anyone could walk away from this tour without a tear in their eye or a lump in their throat. Both my husband and I learnt so much in a manner that was presented so sensitively and respectfully. This is a truly awe-inspiring tour and we will recommend it to all our friends who are intending to visit New York in the future. AN ABSOLUTE MUST - PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T MISS IT!!

For anyone who has not forgotton the sacrifices of 9/11, this photographic and relic museum is a must. Informational for those who want to know as much as possible about the recovery efforts from someone who lived it all...

My husband and I visited the Museum during a recent trip to NYC. There are several reasons why we wanted to see the exhibit: (1) we lost a distant cousin in the WTC, (2) most of our family lives/works in the NY/NJ area, and (3) our youngest son is a firefighter/paramedic in Lexington, KY, and we see/understand the unique brotherhood he is part of. The Museum itself is surprisingly small, thereby explaining why reservations are an absolute must. The facilitator was calm, well-rehearsed, professional and open to questions throughout our experience. The initial 2 video presentations were quite moving, and some in the room were brought to tears. One young man was there with (presumably) his mother; he wore what looked like a police or fire radio clipped to his sweater. As the videos began, he became upset, so it was obvious there was a strong personal impact. Thankfully, there are numerous tissue boxes sprinkled around the room, as well as in the nearby lavatory. Once the videos were done (perhaps 30 minutes into the 2 hour tour), we were allowed to roam freely throughout the museum with the aid of a little audio device. Each photo/artifact was clearly labeled with a number, and once that number was pushed into the audio device, you heard a story -- recorded in Gary the photographer's own voice -- of the circumstances surrounding that moment in time. At the end of the tour, visitors are able to purchase both individual photos and beautiful coffee table books of the photos on display in the exhibit. Just before we left, Gary arrived. We'd purchased the coffee table cook for our son, and Gary gladly autographed it. for us, posed for a picture and chatted a bit about the exhibit. The tour is not inexpensive ($25/person), but the proceeds benefit 9/11 families and charities; ditto for proceeds from photo and book sales (this was one of the stipulations placed on Gary before he was allowed to enter the WTC site). For anyone interested in seeing unique photos and artifacts NOT included in any other 9/11-related books and photos already out there, this is the tour for you. Gary had unique access to behind-the-scenes events that no one else was privy to. If you have 2 hours of down time while visiting NYC, make it a point to put this into your schedule. You will not regret it.

We found this activity by chance on the internet and booked tickets before leaving England. It was a very moving and extremely interesting activity and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting New York. We were rather worried as we had my 16 month old grandson with us but they welcomed him and re-arranged the seating to accommodate him too.

I heard about this through trip advisor and read some newspaper columns about it. If you get past the thought of the money the photographer is making on the world trade center disaster you will be OK. The museum told the rest of the story and it was touching and informative without being overly maudlin. The story of the brotherhood of the police and fire dept restored my faith in humanity. It also left the feeling of ... where was the government in the aftermath of 911. The tour guide was excellent.

Thank you!

a small but sensitively compiled record of the aftermath of this evil deed ,seen in pictures and by way of artifacts from the site. We were recommended to see this and we would recommend others. A moving tribute to all those involved.

I visited this small museum with my husband and parents. I was a little nervous before entering as I didn't really want to be reminded of the pictures of those planes going into the twin towers but I needn't have woried; Gary Suson has created a museum which touches your heart by focusing on the rebuilding and recovery following that dreadful day. You were able to spend as much or little time as you liked, wondering around listening through your individual headset to the moving stories behind each beautifully taken photograph depicting the personal stories of many of those involved. When we left we didn't speak for a while as it took time to digest all the factual and poignant information but later we spoke at length about the effects of this disaster had on the extraordinary people effected, especially the loved ones left behind and the courageous workers who helped during that recovery period. It gave insite into what it was really like to be there compared to what we had seen in the media. Tasteful and touching it reminds us that we should never forget not just those that were lost but the people that are left behind and effected everyday by the events of 9/11.

We had traveled from the West Coast and felt that we got a real feeling for what NY had gone through on 9/11. It was tastefully done with great respect for those who were closely touched by this event, yet informative enough and thoughtfully done so many of our questions were answered. It put the tragedy and loss to so many in human terms and was the most meaningful activity we did on our visit to NYC.

We were quite surprised to find the activity taking place in one room but more we listened and looked the more appropriate it became. The setting was very respectful and sensitive, our guide was excellent aiming the session exactly right for the mix of ages and nationalities and it was good to meet Mr Susan. We were able to take time to look at the different photographs and artefacts and I even went back to a couple to listen again to the excellent commentaries, the room was comfortable and welcoming which meant we were able to sit and contemplate what we were seeing and hearing. We were very disappointed at ground zero site, to see a fenced building site after all these years. Therefore the museum provided a tribute, place of remembrance and thank goodness there is somewhere for family, friends and the rest of the world to go - come on America sort out the ground zero site, but well done to the museum and staff and thank you. Sue Scobie