Warren museum aims to be Eastern Ohio's point of remembrance this 9/11

WARREN, Ohio - The Medici Museum of Art hopes to be Eastern Ohio's central point of remembrance, healing, and celebration from the attacks on our country 20 years ago on September 11.
"I hope to make this a success and that we remind the next generation to never forget an event in history that changed our lives forever," said the Museums Director Katelyn Amendolara-Russo. "The attacks were targeted on New York City and Washington, D.C., but affected citizens from around the country and around the world."
The day’s events provide an opportunity for:
- Remembrance of the 2,977 people who lost their lives during the horrific attacks on 9/11, including 412 first responders. A solemn ceremony will be streamed from the NYC 9/11 Museum for local viewing.
- Healing through artistic expression from local artists and survivors and families of those affected. This includes work from local MCCTC students, who were born shortly after the attacks. Some of the work is also coming from the 9/11 Museum in NYC.
- Celebration of the courage of the first responders who ran toward the points of the attacks, and the American spirit from which we drew the strength for recovery.
The event is free. Members of the community are invited to view the exhibits, express their gratitude to the local first responders, and bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a concert on the lawn by country artist Ricky Lee.
Local artists, including a few students from MCCTC have their photos, painting and drawings displayed at the exhibit. There are also 5 photos displayed that are borrowed from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.
"I feel very honored as a local artist to have my art displayed here," said Dana Nicholson, a photographer who captured an image at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City back in 2019. "Everybody will always remember the events of that day."
Several students at MCCTC created works of art that are displayed at the exhibit. The students, who are seniors, were not alive during September 11, 2001, but want to make sure the event is never forgotten.
"The students didn't live through 9/11 personally but they've heard the stories from their parents and grandparents," said Melissa Hackett, MCCTC Creative Arts & Design Instructor. "It's really important that as artists, I tap into, just because you weren't at an event, what's your feeling on the event and can you express that feeling through your artwork."
Also on display will be firefighter gear and uniforms on loan from Girard resident Nick Ladisa, a 27-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department Engine Company 80/Ladder 23, who responded to the 9/11/01 attacks at the World Trade Centers.
The Medici Museum of Art 9/11 Tribute includes firefighter gear and uniforms on loan from Girard resident Nick Ladisa, a 27-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department Engine Company 80/Ladder 23, who responded to the 9/11/01 attacks at the World Trade Centers. Amendolara-Russo said a dent can be seen on the helmet that was caused by falling debris.
"We urge the public to come out to celebrate first responders and their heroism within our community, pay tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11 and ultimately celebrate the American spirit," Amendolara-Russo said.
Schedule for the Events for 9/11/2021:
Morning - The Solemn Reflection
9:30: Event opens. Gallery opens.
9:45: Opening remarks, moment of silence for those who perished in the morning of September 11
10:00: Live stream program from NYC 9/11 museum
12:00: Reflection portion concludes
12:00: Lunch at food trucks, interactive displays
Afternoon - Tribute to First Responders and the American Spirit
1:00: Opening remarks
1:00: Meet, greet, and thank area first responders
1:00: Gallery is open
4:00: Meet and greet concludes
5:30: Concert by country artist Ricky Lee
6:15: 50/50 drawing, raffle drawing
7:30: Lighting of Tribute in Light. This is a display similar to the one in NYC and will include two blue beams of light.
9:00: Event concludes; Gallery closes
Midnight: Tribute in Light turns off.
Donations are welcome and will be collected at various stations around the property and contributions will be applied towards future programming for community events.
Donations to future programs for helping military veterans and first responders can also be made securely on-line at: https://bit.ly/Medici_9-11
The Medici Museum of Art is located 9350 East Market Street.
Here's a behind the scene look at preparations: