|
The September 11 Photo Project
With Michael Feldschuh, Walter Markham and Dena Trakes
Founder, Curator and Tour Director
Monday, March 11, 2001; 3 p.m. EST
The September 11 Photo Project, the highly acclaimed New York City photography exhibit about the September terrorist attack, is being displayed at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery until April 7, 2002. Composed of over 3,500 photographs taken before, during and after the events of September 11th, the collection includes photographs and commentary by professional and amateur photographers from around the world. View our Camera Works The September 11 Photo Project photo gallery.
Michael Feldschuh, executive director and founder of the project, Dena Trakes, tour director and Walter Markham, curator of the exhibit was online Monday, March 11 at 3 p.m. EST to talk about exhibit.
The project began in New York City in the days following the terrorist attacks. It is designed to provide an open forum, displaying without exception, the photos and thoughts of community members in reaction to the tragedy. There will be a dedicated wall for D.C. residents and visitors submissions that will also continue on the projects' tour.
ReganBooks, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, will publish a 208-page, four-color book featuring photos and writings from the exhibit. The book will be available at the D.C. exhibition in mid-March and in bookstores nationwide on April 2, 2002.A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the NYC Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
The transcript follows below.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
washingtonpost.com :
When and how was the Sept. 11 Photo Project created? What do you hope will be outcome of your tour? Also, what are your plans for the overall photo collection at the end of the tour?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The project was created in the days following the attacks when there were thousands of people in New York City who were taking pictures in reaction to the attacks. From the first moments of the attacks people tried to document what they were witnessing because of the horror and outrage of what was in front of them. People needed a place to share these photos and the words that went with them -- much in the spirit of the spontaneous shrines that sprang up in New York. There was a need for community and communication in the aftermath -- not just in New York but also Washington and the rest of the country as well. For this reason the project created a book which available at the project space, created a national tour, and continues to accept and add to its collection of photographs and written works.
The future of the project is for it to travel and fascilitate communication and an understanding of events from a human perspective. We hope that it will be housed in an appropriate memorial and archive for future generations.
MF
Falls Church, Va.:
How long will the exhibit be in DC and where is the museum? In Arlington Cemetery?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The exhibit will be in Washington D.C until April 7th. The museum is located in Arlington National Cemetary. WM
Alexandria, Va.:
Islamic consipiracy theorists have insisted that there are pictures of individuals bailing out the the 9-11 attack planes just prior to impact. Someone even posted such a claim during an online interview on this site.
Have you discovered any such photos?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: This "theory" is is simply not true and defies common sense. We viewed well over 30,000 photos of the day and its aftermath and spoke with thousands of eyewitnesses. Not only are there no such photos, but if anyone had "bailed out" of these airplanes then tens of thousands of people would have seen it. This sort of disinformation is sad and outrageous -- it reflects a deep level of denial about the true nature of the attacks and their perpetrators.
Ames, Iowa:
Would the exhibit be appropriate for elementary and junior high students?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The exhibit is appropriate for children with their parents or teacher under the age of 12 and appropriate for anyone over that age. We have had many submissions by children and thousands of children and young adults have visited the project and benefited from the experience. We encourage families and young people to attend.
MF
Washington, D.C.:
How long will the exhibit be in Washington, D.C. and why did you pick the Women's Military memorial? Does the location have a lot of significance for victims of the Pentagon and for the tour to be here in the nation's capitol?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The exhibit will be in The Women's Memorial until April 7th, open daily from 8am-5pm. We picked the Women's Memorial because of the proximity to the Pentagon, along with being a beautiful venue that represents a similar mission to ours: honor and remembering peoples experience and stories. It was important to have the project visit the DC area [first] so that we can honor what happened here. In addition we thought it was important to have pictures and words from the people of the Pentagon attacks so that thier stories are included in the project and to continue on with the tour.
Harrisburg, Pa.:
Are you still collecting photographs? I know of someone who worked in the World Trade Center who has fascinating photographs looking at the scene just after exiting the building. I presume, though, that you already have many pictures. Are you, or anyone else, collecting photographs and, if so, where should photographs be sent?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: Yes, we are still collecting photographs. It is not our position to edit the material that is submitted to us. If someone you know has pictures from the World Trade Center following the attacks, please let them know that they are welcome to submit them to the project. For submission guidelines,people should see our web site: www.Sep11photo.org
Parsippany, NJ:
Where will the exhibit travel to next?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The Project will be opening in Sacramento, CA on April 26th at the Woolworth Building/K Street Mall. It will run until June 2nd.
Washington, D.C.:
How did you gather the photos for the exhibit?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: I began by handing out fliers in public squares after the attack and putting up signs for people to mail them to me. We collected about 200 and then started collecting them at the project space. People did and still can submit photos this way -- drop them off at the Women's Memorial at the Arlington National Cemetary or mail them to us. Full details are on our web site www.sep11photo.org
We are still accepting and encouraging people to give us their photos and words.
MF
Arlington, Va.:
On Spet. 11, I was in my office, which overlooks the Pentagon. Right after the attack, I took some photos of the pentagon burning from my conference room.
What is interesting is, in addition to seeing the fire, reflections in my office window are visible, and show the expressions on peoples faces. I have one or two images that really capute the event...the horror of the people with the fire.
How would I go about submitting the photos?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: Because you are in the area, I suggest submitting the photos directly to us. We are acceting them on a daily basis at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington national Cemetery. WM
Washington, D.C.: What did you think of the 9-11 documentary on CBS?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: I thought the documentary captured a true sense of the confusion, fear and sadness of the day. The reality of the filming was amazing along with the filmmakers calmness. I think that it gave Americans a better feel for what happened to New Yorkers who experienced it live and it went beyond anything that we've seen before.
Washington, D.C.:
Even though people are still probably mourning over the September 11 situation, why do you keep bringing it up. Every 11th, we are going to have a ceremony. I mean me, I try to forget about it, but everytime I watch the news it makes me feel sad and I start to cry because due to this, I lost my cousin from the Pentagon and I know that my family feels the same. So please tell me why that all of this can soon be over. I know it's a big thing, but let's think about the way others feel.
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: These events are so painful -- and I am deeply sorry for your loss. We feel that the pain lies in the events themselves -- not in the discussion or rememberance of them. This is an important point. Not discussing what happened will not make the pain go away, nor will it bring people back or make it like it never happened. Much of the healing process lies in mouring, rememberance, reflection, and sharing.
We respect your feelings, and everyone comes to the process at different speeds. For us that means that some people want to talk about it, others are not ready yet. I encourage you to come to the project and see what others have written and created -- you are not alone in your loss or feelings of frustration. You may find something of great value here.
MF
Indianapolis, Ind.:
Is it possible to have a "traveling exhibit" of all of these photographs, perhaps in each state in this nation? I think we need this.
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: It is certainly possibe to have a travelling exhibit of these photographs. We are in the process of doing just that. The Sep 11 photo project originated in a Soho gallery in NYC and is now being housed at the Women iin Military Service for America Memorial, Washington D.C. We are travelling next to Sacremento, CA and then to Pasenda,CA. We are hoping to take this project to at least 8 cities in various parts of the country.wm
New York City, N.Y.:
How do you plan to use the proceeds from the book, for charity?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: All of the project's proceeds of the book go to support our project (a not-for-profit)and our associated charity The NYC Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The project is on national tour and has a documentary with the Discovery Channel coming out in 2 months (100% of the proceeds from that documentary the project receives goes to the Burn Center). The book allows access to the project to continue to be free for everyone and to continue to collect photos and works.
The book can be seen on our web site www.sep11photo.org and ordered at 800-222-2294.
Washington, D.C.:
Will all the pictures be on the web?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: Some of the photographs are on our web site, but with over 4,000 images and pieces of text the project is meant to be viewed in person. The book also contains hundreds of photos, many the size that they are in the project with the associated words, and this also gives a sense of the project. The web site does contain photos in the space which describes the book, so go to www.sep11photo.org and click on the link to the book to see more photos.
MF
New York City, N.Y.:
What has the public response to the exhibit been in Washington D.C. compared to how it was received in New York City?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The response in DC has been great. Because of our location (The Women's Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery) we get a mixture of crowds: tourists, milatary, cemetery visitors, along with people who specifically come to see the project. Most people who saw the project in NYC witnessed the WTC attacks, and the people who are seeing the project in DC did not witness the WTC attacks, and therefore are seeing it for the first time through the projects pictures. We have noticed there is a large amount of children and school groups who visit the project in DC and tend to have a good response to the project.
Washington, D.C.:
What will the ultimate fate of the photos in this exhibit be? Is there a book or permanent home for the photos planned?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: We hope the material in the project will be part of a permanent memorial to what occurred. A book has been published by the project with Harper Collins, and is available at the project. It is 208 pages long, full color, and contains words and picures from the participants (who gave us work from all over the world). The book can be ordered on-line over the web site at www.sep11photo.org as well as the phone 800-222-2294.
MF
Coeru d'Alene, Idaho:
What current discussions are taking place regarding a memorial at the WTC 9/11 site? Are all the victims to be memorialized at that site, or will there be memorials in DC and Pennsylvania as well?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: There are many discussions taking place about the WTC site. This evening there is a temporary installation being erected using beams of light emissions from the ground towards the sky in remembrance of the towers. Long term plans about the site are still in negotions I believe. WM
washingtonpost.com:
For the 6-month anniversary, have you held any special events in the gallery today?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: Yes we have. A few of the firefighters from the Pentagon visited the gallery from 11am-12:Noon today for discussions and to honor the day with us. Also, a special invitation went out to the families of the Pentagon victums that invited them to the gallery today. Some of the families have visited today and were touched by the DC pictures and Pentagon poster which represents each person who died at The Pentagon. The project will be open until 6pm tonight.
DT
Michael :
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: There were so many memorable discussions with survivors and rescue workers -- people whose lives were changed forever. I spoke with a photographer who was taking photos, and the man next to him disappeared in the smoke of the collapse. He was 10 feet away from him, but was never found.
Many of the photos and stories are in the book that I edited with the project team. There are so many amazing stories, we had to publish the book to bring them to a wide audience.
Arlington, Va.:
I know this is a broad question for you all but what have been some of your memorable photos or stories from the submitters of the photos?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: One story I can relate to the audience is of a participant who brought in hundreds of photos of ground zero. The man did not know where to start as far as telling us his story. The pictures became the way for him to let us know how affected he was by this event. wm
Fairfax, Va.:
What has been the general reaction from photo contributors to the exhibit? Do they visit and also meet other photographers? How many of the photos are from professional photographers?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The contributors have been very giving with their stories and photos. Because it is a community project the contributors often returned to the project and got to know the staff and other contributors-it has built a true foundation of community. 400 contributors were present at the closing reception in NYC on Jan 6th. In the 3 months the project was opened in NYC it grew from 20 contributors to over 600 and most of those contributors can be seen in the group photograph in the back of the book. We have photographs from around the world. Some from Italy, some from Germany, and we will keep building the project and accepting submissions throughout this year.
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: It was a pleasure to chat with The Washington Post Online community -- we thank The Post for this opportunity and encourage everyone to attend the Project in person at The Women's Memorial in Arlington (Metro Stop Arlington) and to donate photographs and text pieces to the project. To support the project please purchase the book at the Project space or over the phone 800-222-2294 or the web at www.sep11photo.org.
Washington, D.C.:
What was the impetus behind creating this exhibit?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: The impetus behind creating this exhibit was the need to deal with the events of 9/11. The Sep11 photo project represents just one of many ways that people can respond directly. wm
Philadelphia, Pa.:
All of a sudden there's no more word about the September 11 Fund. Do we know what's going on with the distribution of these funds? Any kind of report available for public knowledge? Thank you!
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: Information about how much money was donated and where it went - can be found at The Foundation Library on Fifth Ave in NYC. You could also contact the Sept 11 Fund and ask them personally about their public records.
Washington, D.C.:
What inspired to you pull together this exhibit?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: What inspired the Sep11 photo project was primarily witnessing the memorials that were spontaneously erected aroune NYC and all over the world. One of the initial concepts was to create a space that could house and preserve the outporing of individual expression. wm
Washington, D.C.:
Is this the same exhibit as Here is New York, also in SoHo?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: No it is not the same exhibit. The September 11 Photo Project is a community project that is composed of over 4,000 photographs in response to Sept 11, which includes professional and amateur photographs. The project is revolved around the human reaction to the attacks and the personal story of the photographer. We do not sell any of the photographs, however, if you are interested in supporting the tour of The September 11 Photo Project, please call to order the 208 page hardcover book at 800-222-2294. A portion of the proceeds of the book go to The NYC Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.
DT
washingtonpost.com:
The Women In Military Service For America Memorial opens daily at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. You can take the blue line Metro stop at Arlington National Cemetery. Phone number is 202-452-5966.
The Women's Memorial at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, is directly across the Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial at the end of Memorial Drive. --
http://www.womensmemorial.org
Englewood, NJ:
I noticed similar projects throughout NYC, what differentiates this project from the one that was on Prince St or any of the others?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: What differentiates this project from Here is New York is; A) We install original photos as opposed to digital prints. B) We accept every persons submissions (we may not however be able to accept all of one persons photos). C)The photographs are not for sale. D) We allow personal notes to accompany the photographs.
This criteria may be used by other galleries or photo projects, but as far as I know this is a unique set of guidelines. wm
washingtonpost.com:
When will the book be available and how did you decide which photos to pick for the book? Will there be more "updated" books in the future?
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: If you are interested in supporting the tour of The September 11 Photo Project, please call to order the 208 page hardcover book at 800-222-2294. A portion of the proceeds of the book go to The NYC Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. The book is available at the DC location (The Women's Memoiral in Arlington National Cemetery), along with ordering it at the above 800 number. It will be in bookstores Nationwide on April 2nd. The editing of the book was very difficult and was made by a group of people made up of our directors, photo editors, publishers, and designers. We wanted the book to reflect the same diversity and impact that the project represents, along with telling the amazing stories of our contributors. The photographers who contributed to the book/project have true stories of their experience and lived to tell it, and it was our hope to capture those stories of hope, inspiration, fear and strength in the project and in the book. We have been in discussion about a second volume (made from the submissions we will be getting on the tour), however nothing is confirmed.
Walter:
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: As the curator of the September 11 Photo Project, I want to stress the importance of seeing this exhibit in person. The tactile quality of the photographs and hand written notes create a resonance that may direct a person to introspection and deep contemplation. One of the strengths of amassing so many words and images is the time that is required for the viewer to gather such information. The viewer looks and reads at his or her pace. This is an important way to deal with an event such as September 11th. The time to look, the time to realize and hopefully, the time to heal.
Dena:
Michael Feldschuh, Dena Trakes and Walter Markham: It is my honor as the tour director, to be bringing this project to cities across America. It is my hope to see this project grow and expand with each city it goes to. The next two cities are: Sacramento April 26-June2, and Pasadena June28-Aug3. If you are in within a few hours of DC please visit us - we've arranged a discount for train and hotel so that it is easy and inexpensive to get to the project -(Amtrak: 20%off, mention V529, call 800-USA-RAIL)(Holiday Inn: 800-638-1116). Thank you for your support.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
Stay tuned to Live Online:
Astrologer
Charlene Lichtenstein at 6 p.m. EST
Did you know that you can follow more than one Live Online discussion at
the same time? Just open another browser window and toggle back and
forth between discussions! And, if you miss one, catch up with the Live
Online transcripts.
Keep up with the latest in news, sports, politics and entertainment with
washingtonpost.com e-mail newsletters.
NEW! Personalize your Post with mywashingtonpost.com.
Get customized news, traffic, weather and more.
Automatically Update Page
| Get New Responses | Submit Question
© Copyright 2002 The Washington Post Company | 
