911 Archway of Remembrance

For residents of Connecticut, especially those in and around Stamford, the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens stands as a deeply meaningful and poignant living memorial. Far from a traditional park, this unique structure serves as a quiet space for reflection and remembrance, honoring the lives lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Its significance is rooted in the "Survivor Tree," a resilient Callery pear found alive amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center. The Archway is a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and renewal, offering a serene environment for individuals and families to connect with history and pay their respects.

Dedicated in 2015, the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance is a collaboration between The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, and the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. It features 14 offspring trees cultivated from cuttings of the original "Survivor Tree." These young trees are trained over a 16-foot archway made of metal and bamboo, forming a living canopy tunnel. An artifact from the rubble of the World Trade Center is also mounted at the entrance, further enhancing the memorial's profound connection to the events of that day. This beautiful and thoughtful tribute offers a "local place of solitude" in a "splendid garden setting where Connecticut residents can pay respects to loved ones who perished on 9/11," providing a quiet space for remembrance and healing.

The 9/11 Archway of Remembrance is specifically located within the expansive grounds of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, whose official address is 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, USA. This places it in North Stamford, a tranquil and green area of the city, easily accessible from various parts of Stamford, Fairfield County, and the wider Connecticut region.

Upon entering the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, visitors can navigate the well-maintained pathways to find the Archway. While the exact position within the 93-acre arboretum may require consulting a map provided by the Arboretum, its prominence as a significant memorial ensures it is a well-known feature. The Arboretum's layout generally provides accessible paths, allowing for comfortable walking to different collections and points of interest.

Accessibility to the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens by car is excellent, with ample free parking available on-site at the main entrance off Brookdale Road. This makes it convenient for locals to visit at their leisure. For those using public transportation, Stamford is a major hub served by Metro-North Railroad and local bus services. From the Stamford Transportation Center, a short taxi ride or ride-sharing service would be necessary to reach the Arboretum. This ensures that the memorial is accessible to a broad range of New York residents, including those commuting from other parts of Connecticut or even New York City, seeking a place for quiet reflection. The Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, offering flexible visiting hours for remembrance and contemplation.

The 9/11 Archway of Remembrance, as a dedicated memorial within the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, offers a unique service of remembrance, reflection, and historical connection. While it doesn't provide traditional "park services" like playgrounds or sports fields, its purpose is profound and deeply impactful.

• Space for Remembrance and Reflection: The primary service of the Archway is to provide a quiet, dignified, and beautiful space where individuals can remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It offers an opportunity for personal reflection and a connection to a significant historical event.
• Living Memorial: As a "living memorial," the Archway uses growing trees (offspring of the "Survivor Tree") to symbolize hope, resilience, and life continuing after tragedy. This offers a unique, evolving tribute.
• Educational Insight: The memorial serves as an educational tool, silently teaching visitors about the "Survivor Tree," its symbolism, and the enduring impact of 9/11. Signage or interpretive materials often accompany such memorials, providing historical context.
• Part of a Larger Botanical Collection: Visitors can experience the Archway as part of a visit to the broader Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, which offers a diverse collection of trees, plants, and natural habitats, providing a comprehensive outdoor experience.
• Community Gathering Point: Particularly on the anniversary of 9/11, the Archway serves as a quiet community gathering point for solemn remembrance ceremonies and vigils.
• Free Public Access: As with the rest of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, access to the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance is entirely free to the public, making it accessible to all who wish to visit and reflect.
• Symbol of Resilience: The presence of the "Survivor Tree" offspring trees symbolizes the nation's strength and resilience in the face of adversity, offering a powerful message of hope.

The 9/11 Archway of Remembrance at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is characterized by several powerful and symbolic features that make it a deeply moving highlight for visitors:

• "Survivor Tree" Offspring: The most significant feature is the use of 14 offspring trees cultivated from the original "Survivor Tree" – a Callery pear that remarkably survived the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. These trees symbolize resilience, hope, and the continuation of life.
• Living Archway Design: The trees are meticulously trained over a 16-foot tall, 12-foot wide, and 8-foot deep archway made of metal and bamboo. This unique design creates a "canopy tunnel," offering a serene and contemplative pathway for visitors to walk through, fostering a sense of enclosure and reflection.
• World Trade Center Artifact: An authentic artifact from the rubble of the World Trade Center is mounted at the entrance of the archway. This tangible piece of history provides a direct, impactful connection to the events of September 11, 2001, grounding the memorial in reality.
• Numbered Gold Medallions: Each of the offspring trees is tagged with a numbered gold medallion, identifying it and linking it back to the original Survivor Tree and its powerful story. This detail adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection.
• "Splendid Garden Setting": The location within the beautiful Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens provides an idyllic and peaceful backdrop for the memorial. The natural surroundings enhance the contemplative atmosphere, offering solace and beauty for visitors.
• Collaboration of Esteemed Organizations: The Archway's construction is a testament to the collaboration between The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, highlighting a shared commitment to remembrance and natural beauty.
• Symbol of Hope and Resilience: More than just a static memorial, the Archway's living, growing trees continually symbolize the nation's strength, resilience, and survival in the face of tragedy, offering an ongoing message of hope.

As a significant memorial within a non-profit arboretum, the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance, and by extension the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its core "offer" is providing a free, meaningful space for public remembrance and reflection.

However, there are several ways locals can engage with and derive value from this important site and the institution that hosts it:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "offer" is that access to the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance and the entire Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is completely free to the public, every day from dawn to dusk. This ensures universal accessibility for remembrance and education.
• Annual Commemorative Events: While not a "promotion," the Arboretum typically hosts annual commemorative events on or around September 11th. These events are free and provide a structured opportunity for the community to gather, reflect, and participate in ceremonies of remembrance. Details for these events are usually announced closer to the date on the Arboretum's website.
• Educational Programs and Tours: The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens offers a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours focused on horticulture, environmental science, and the arboretum's collections. While some may have a fee, these opportunities can deepen visitors' understanding of the natural world and the memorial's context.
• Membership Benefits: Becoming a member of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens provides various benefits, such as discounts on workshops, early access to plant sales, and reciprocal admission at other botanical gardens. This offers a way to support the Arboretum's mission while gaining added value.
• Volunteer Opportunities: For those wishing to contribute directly, the Arboretum often has volunteer opportunities for garden maintenance, event support, or educational programs. This is a unique "offer" to engage hands-on with a valued community resource.

For the most current information on annual remembrance events, educational programming, or how to support the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, interested individuals should visit their official website (bartlettarboretum.org) or contact them directly using the provided phone number.

For any inquiries regarding the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance or the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in general, you can use the following contact information:

Address: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, USA

Phone: (203) 322-6971

Mobile Phone: +1 203-322-6971 (This is the same contact number and can be used for direct communication.)

For the most current information on opening hours (dawn to dusk daily), details about the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance, upcoming events, educational programs, and comprehensive maps of the arboretum, it is always best to visit the official Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens website: bartlettarboretum.org. This website serves as the primary resource for planning your visit and staying informed about all the meaningful opportunities the Arboretum provides.

The 9/11 Archway of Remembrance at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is an exceptionally suitable and vital destination for locals across the Connecticut region, particularly for those in Stamford and its surrounding communities. Its profound significance, combined with its peaceful setting, makes it a unique place for reflection, education, and community connection.

For Connecticut residents, the Archway provides an accessible and solemn space to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and to honor the lives lost. In an increasingly fast-paced world, having a dedicated memorial that encourages quiet contemplation is invaluable. The inclusion of the "Survivor Tree" offspring trees offers a powerful, living symbol of hope and resilience, resonating deeply with individuals seeking solace and a reminder of enduring strength. This connection to a piece of national history, interpreted through nature's enduring power, is particularly meaningful.

Moreover, its location within the beautiful Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens means that a visit to the memorial can be combined with a peaceful stroll through diverse gardens and natural landscapes. This allows for a multifaceted experience, blending solemn reflection with the restorative power of nature. As a free and publicly accessible site, it ensures that all members of the community have the opportunity to visit, learn, and pay their respects at any time of day. For those seeking a quiet escape, a place for personal remembrance, or an educational experience about a pivotal moment in history, the 9/11 Archway of Remembrance stands as an indispensable local landmark in Stamford, offering a unique blend of historical tribute and natural beauty.

911 Archway of Remembrance

Bartlett Arboretum, 151 Brookdale Rd, Stamford, CT 06903, USA