Governor Hochul Announces $2.2 Million in Funding for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to Expand Free Admission Program for New Yorkers

As New Yorkers mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $2.2 million in funding to support expanded free admission to the 9/11 Memorial Museum for all New Yorkers every Sunday, year-round. Currently, the New York First Sundays program allows individuals who live and study in New York to receive free admission during the afternoon on the first Sunday of each month. New York First Sundays is a program initially funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Beginning in October, for one year, thousands more New Yorkers can visit every Sunday, many for the first time.

"The events of 9/11 and those we lost that day should never be forgotten and every New Yorker, especially those too young to remember the attacks, should have the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum," Governor Hochul said. "By expanding New York First Sundays to include every Sunday throughout the year, we are ensuring that more New Yorkers can experience the Museum, honor those we lost, and reflect on the courage, resilience and unity that sustained our state and our nation on one of our darkest days. I am proud to support the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as it continues to preserve these stories for future generations."

9/11 Memorial & Museum President & CEO Beth Hillman said, "I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to never forget how 9/11 affected our city and state. Since we began New York First Sundays to acknowledge the deep connection between New Yorkers and 9/11, many first-time visitors have come to the Museum. By expanding to every Sunday throughout the year, thousands more New Yorkers will be able to visit and reconnect to the sense of community that we all felt after the attacks."

The original New York First Sundays program has created a unique opportunity for all New Yorkers to visit, remember and reflect - most have come for the first time. This additional funding will ensure equitable and statewide access as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and in the year ahead by expanding the program to include every Sunday afternoon.

About the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is dedicated to exploring 9/11, documenting its impact and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public - particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember them - about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. By preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion and courage, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world. For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org.