As the 9/11 attacks unfolded, it became increasingly difficult to evacuate lower Manhattan. When the Twin Towers collapsed, thousands fled to the water’s edge. Seeing the emergency, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a call for all available boats to help those who were trapped. The ensuing maritime response, from NYPD harbor units, fireboats and ferries to private and commercial boats, initiated the largest waterborne evacuation in American history. To examine this extraordinary story, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is pleased to screen the award-winning documentary, Boatlift, and welcome Eddie Rosenstein, director of the film, retired Admiral James Loy of the U.S. Coast Guard, and NY Waterway Captain Richard Thornton. In conversation with Noah Rauch, Senior Vice President of Education & Public Programs, they reflect on 9/11 and the improvised evacuation that transported an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people to safety in less than nine hours.

The 9/11 Museum would like to invite New York Council members to attend the screening and discussion, and is generously offering complimentary museum entry tickets as well. If you would like to attend this free event, please register below.