Jim Haney was one of thirty teachers across the United States to attend the Institute for Educators at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York from July 15 to July 19. 

“The most interesting part was when survivors of the attack talked to us,” Haney said. 

He admits to shedding a few tears while one of the survivors of the attack, Bill Spade, was telling his story. Spade was a firefighter for Company 5. While he survived, every other person in his company was killed. Haney claims it is hard not to be moved to tears during a story like this. 

“It’s the personal stories,” Haney said. “It’s the woman who went to the museum to set up for her boss and she’s gone, but the contents of her purse were there.” 

Haney had the opportunity to type in his birthday to look back on the survivors who shared his day, he was not expecting to find what he did. 

“Sure enough, a woman was killed and she was born on my birthday- October 29, 1963,” Haney said. Her name is Joni Cesta. Wrong place, wrong time” 

He proceeds to tell what he learns about Joni’s story, and how surreal it was that they were the same exact age, and how this horrible tragedy happened to her. 

“She would be 61 in October,” Haney said. “That’s the same age as I will be. Her story is just sad.” 

Haney realized that going to this museum would be heartbreaking, but he went anyway. He did this because he says he, as well as many others, knew exactly what they were doing when they heard the tragic news of the attack. 

“Personally, it’s the historical event of my lifetime,” Haney said. “I think it is important for people who lived through it to be able to tell their story.” 

An attack of this nature is just unforgettable. Haney believes that is important for this day to be remembered, because of the impact it made and the lives lost. He would like to visit the museum again, and he strongly believes everyone else should make a trip at least once in their lifetime. He recommends those going to the museum to take their time. It is not something you rush through. He tells people to see it all and learn each and every story in the museum. 

“You have got to go. As an American it is just something you need to do,” said Haney. “It is the saddest place on the face of the earth. But it is also one of the most important places on the face of the earth.”

According to the museum website, this was the second annual Institute for Educators. It states, “Collaborate with Museum staff, leading experts in the field of 9/11-related study, and a cohort of dedicated education colleagues during this week-long summer program in New York City. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Institute for Educators offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the Museum’s content and collections. Participants will receive classroom-ready strategies to discuss 9/11 with students, collaborate with Museum staff, experts, and fellow educators to discuss how to engage with difficult content, and learn how to use artifacts and primary sources to explore the themes and issues raised by the attacks.” To learn more about the Institute for Educators visit www.9/11memorial.org.