Temporary Micro-Exhibit: The Greatest Maritime Evacuation-September 11, 2001

This fall, the National Museum of the Great Lakes is hosting a special exhibit that tells the story of one of America's most heroic maritime moments. On September 11, 2001, nearly 500,000 people were evacuated from Lower Manhattan by water in what became the largest maritime rescue in history. In just nine hours, an impressive fleet of vessels—from Coast Guard cutters and tugboats to ferries and private boats—worked together to bring people to safety. Though this dramatic event happened in New York Harbor, it celebrates the courage and tradition shared by mariners everywhere, including those with deep roots on the Great Lakes. The exhibit explores this remarkable rescue through the stories of four different vessels involved in the evacuation. Using powerful photographs and firsthand accounts from those who were there, you'll discover how professional mariners and everyday citizens came together during a crisis. This is a meaningful way to remember the bravery and cooperation that defined that day, and it connects that distant event to the maritime heritage of our own region. The exhibit runs through the end of October, giving your family several weeks to visit.