9/11 Tiles for America Memorial

The 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial, while no longer in its original form at the precise address of 71-73 Greenwich Ave, holds a profound and enduring significance for New Yorkers. This "park," or more accurately, this evolving public tribute, represents one of the most powerful and spontaneous community responses to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. What began as a heartfelt display of handmade ceramic tiles on a chain-link fence in Mulry Square, across from the former St. Vincent's Hospital, quickly grew into a living, ever-expanding testament to human resilience, patriotism, and unity. The tiles, inscribed with "inspirational messages inspired by human response to the 9/11 attacks," came from individuals, families, schools, and communities not just from New York but from across the nation and even the world. Its history is a testament to the grassroots spirit of New Yorkers, who rallied to protect and eventually integrate this cherished memorial into a permanent structure. While its physical manifestation has changed over time, the spirit of remembrance and community it represents remains deeply embedded in the fabric of Greenwich Village.

The original 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial was located at Mulry Square, a triangular intersection at the convergence of Greenwich Avenue, Seventh Avenue South, and West 11th Street, directly across from the former St. Vincent's Hospital. The address 71-73 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA, points directly to this historical epicenter. This prime Greenwich Village location was deeply significant, as St. Vincent's Hospital played a critical role in treating victims and responders on 9/11, making the nearby fence a natural gathering point for those seeking news and expressing their grief.

While the original fence no longer exists, the spirit of the memorial lives on in the immediate vicinity. In 2016, following years of community advocacy and construction by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for a ventilation plant at the site, a portion of the salvaged tiles were re-installed in a dedicated section on the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Seventh Avenue South, integrated into the design of the new MTA structure. This ensures that the memorial remains in the heart of the Village, where it originated.

Accessibility to this site is excellent due to its central Greenwich Village location. The Christopher Street – Sheridan Square subway station (1 train) is just a short walk away. Additionally, the West 4th Street – Washington Square station (A, C, E, B, D, F, M trains) is within comfortable walking distance, providing a wide array of transit options. Numerous bus lines also serve the Greenwich Village area, enhancing connectivity. For those walking, the area is easily navigable and part of the vibrant streetscape of the West Village, making it a natural stop for locals and visitors exploring the neighborhood. The enduring presence of the memorial in its original neighborhood, despite various challenges, highlights its deep connection to the community and its accessibility for reflection.

The 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial, as a community-driven tribute rather than a traditional park, offers unique "services" centered around remembrance, healing, and fostering a sense of shared experience.

• Space for Reflection: The primary "service" provided is a public space that encourages quiet contemplation and remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, and the victims, first responders, and survivors.
• Historical Narrative: The tiles themselves, with their personal messages and artistry, serve as a unique historical document, offering insight into the immediate and ongoing human response to the tragedy.
• Community Connection: The memorial historically served as a gathering point for individuals to find comfort, share emotions, and connect with fellow New Yorkers in the aftermath of 9/11. Even in its current form, it continues to foster a sense of shared remembrance.
• Inspirational Art: The handmade ceramic tiles, despite their fragility, provide a poignant artistic expression of hope, patriotism, and unity, serving as a source of inspiration.
• Ongoing Preservation Efforts: While not a direct service to visitors, the ongoing efforts by community members like Dusty Berke and organizations to preserve, store, and re-display the tiles demonstrate a commitment to maintaining this living memorial for future generations. This ensures its continued "service" as a place of memory.
• Educational Value: For those seeking to understand the impact of 9/11 from a grassroots, community perspective, the memorial offers a tangible and deeply personal educational experience.

The 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial is distinguished by several profound features and highlights that make it a unique and moving tribute in New York City.

• Grassroots Origin: Unlike many official memorials, Tiles for America began organically, with a local artist, Lorrie Veasey, providing ceramic tiles for people to express their feelings. This spontaneous, community-driven creation makes it a powerful "people's memorial."
• Thousands of Handmade Tiles: The sheer volume of individual, hand-painted ceramic tiles, each carrying a personal message of grief, hope, or tribute, creates a deeply personal and collective tapestry of remembrance. These tiles came from all walks of life and from around the world.
• Living Memorial Concept: The memorial was often referred to as a "living memorial" because it continuously grew with new contributions and adapted over time, reflecting the ongoing process of healing and remembrance.
• Resilience and Preservation: The memorial's very existence is a testament to the resilience of the community that fought to preserve it against various challenges, including hurricanes and construction projects. The "Village Angels" volunteers played a crucial role in safeguarding the tiles.
• Location's Historical Poignancy: Its proximity to the former St. Vincent's Hospital, where many victims and responders were taken, imbues the memorial with an even deeper emotional resonance, connecting it directly to the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
• Evolution and Adaptation: The memorial's journey from a chain-link fence display to its current integration into an MTA ventilation structure at Mulry Square highlights its ability to adapt and find a permanent home within the urban landscape.
• Symbol of Unity: The diverse messages on the tiles, often reflecting patriotism, unity, and the heroism of first responders, serve as a powerful symbol of how the city and nation came together in the face of tragedy.

As a grassroots, public memorial, the 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial does not operate with traditional commercial "promotions or special offers." Its enduring presence and accessibility are its primary "offerings" to the public. However, opportunities related to the memorial often arise through community efforts and collaborations.

While specific dates and events can vary, here are types of "promotions" or special opportunities associated with the memorial:

• Annual Remembrance Gatherings: On or around September 11th, community members, first responders, and families often gather at the site for informal remembrance ceremonies, vigils, or walks. These are free and open to the public, fostering a sense of collective memory.
• Volunteer Opportunities: For those who wish to contribute to the memorial's upkeep or preservation efforts (if ongoing), volunteer opportunities may arise, which can be seen as a way for locals to engage deeply with the tribute.
• Exhibitions of Salvaged Tiles: There have been efforts to create an indoor home or gallery for many of the original, fragile tiles that could not be permanently displayed outdoors. If such a gallery were to be established, it would be a special "offer" to view these preserved artifacts. Past exhibits have temporarily displayed tiles in local libraries or community centers.
• Community Storytelling/Sharing: The spirit of the memorial encourages personal connection and sharing. While not a structured "offer," visitors often share their own stories or reflections, contributing to the memorial's living nature.
• Updates on Preservation Projects: Information regarding fundraising campaigns (e.g., for an indoor museum) or progress on the memorial's physical restoration could be seen as "promotions" for those interested in supporting its future.

To stay informed about any gatherings, specific viewing opportunities for archived tiles, or ways to support the ongoing preservation efforts, interested individuals should look for announcements from local community groups, historical societies like Village Preservation, or organizations involved in the memorial's upkeep. Checking the official 911 Tiles for America website (if operational) or local Greenwich Village news sources would be the best approach.

For inquiries related to the 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial or the ongoing efforts to preserve it, direct contact information for the site itself is limited as it's a public memorial. However, the phone numbers provided might connect you to individuals or organizations historically involved in its preservation.

Address: 71-73 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA (This address marks the general vicinity of Mulry Square where the memorial is located.)

Phone: (917) 601-7137

Mobile Phone: +1 917-601-7137

It is important to note that these phone numbers may connect to individuals or community groups (like Dusty Berke, a key figure in its preservation) rather than a formal organizational office. For broader information about the memorial's history and current status, organizations like Village Preservation often have detailed archives and updates. The official 911 Tiles for America website (http://www.911tilesforamerica.org/) is also a resource for their mission and any ongoing projects related to the tiles. For those seeking current information on public gatherings or ways to support preservation, consulting local community boards or Greenwich Village historical groups is recommended.

For New Yorkers, the 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial, despite its evolving form, remains a deeply personal and vital place of remembrance. It’s a testament to our city’s enduring spirit and the power of community in the face of unimaginable tragedy. While one recent review notes, "All tiles have been removed. There is no longer any indication of a memorial... There is nothing at this location to honor and remember..." it's crucial for locals to understand the dynamic history of this site. While the original fence display is gone, a portion of the tiles has been re-installed nearby, integrated into the MTA's ventilation building at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and Seventh Avenue South, as a permanent, albeit different, tribute. This memorial reminds us of the grassroots outpouring of grief, hope, and unity that defined the aftermath of 9/11, with "Handmade ceramic tiles with inspirational messages inspired by human response to the 9/11 attacks." Visiting this site offers a unique perspective on how ordinary New Yorkers came together, creating a spontaneous and deeply personal monument to resilience. It’s a place for quiet reflection, away from the more formal intensity of the larger downtown memorials. For any New Yorker seeking a deeper understanding of the human spirit in our city's darkest hour, or simply a moment to pay respects in a historically significant neighborhood, the 9/11 Tiles for America Memorial in Greenwich Village is a poignant and essential destination, embodying the enduring strength and unity of New York.

9/11 Tiles for America Memorial

71-73 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA