#United States #Peoria #America 250 #9/11 Remembrance #Peoria Riverfront Museum

Peoria Commemorates 25 Years Since 9/11

In a heartfelt tribute to those affected by the September 11 attacks, the Peoria Riverfront Museum will unveil its landmark exhibition titled "We Remember: Stories from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum." This exhibit will open its doors to the public starting September 5, 2026, and will be available until April 11, 2027. It serves not only as a commemoration of a tragic day in American history but also as a means of remembrance and reflection on the resilience of the nation.

This exhibition is particularly significant, as it represents the first collaboration of its kind with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. It features numerous artifacts that have never before been displayed to the public. Among these items is a firefighter's helmet retrieved from the wreckage of the World Trade Center, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of first responders on that fateful day. Visitors will be able to view firsthand accounts, narrated through exclusive video footage from survivors and first responders. Essential relics, such as a piece of steel from the fallen towers, will also be showcased, allowing guests to grasp the gravity of that historical moment.

One of the unique aspects of this exhibit is its local connection to Peoria. It will highlight stories from local employees of RLI Corporation, which once had a presence in the North Tower. Additionally, the life and memory of Charles "Chip" Chan, the only Peoria-born victim of the attacks, will be honored. Through various formats, including oral histories and artistic interpretations reflecting the aftermath of 9/11, the exhibit aims to illustrate how Americans united in their grief and recovery efforts.

On September 11, 2026, a statewide 25th Anniversary Remembrance ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. This event is designed to gather the Greater Peoria community, including first responders, veterans, local families, and public officials, to celebrate the spirit of resilience exhibited by Americans following the attacks. Honorary chair, Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger, will lead the ceremony, alongside the families of the victims, including the Chan family.

This free event will welcome all who wish to partake in the memorial activities. Those interested are encouraged to visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum's official website for reservations. The exhibition's sponsors include valuable community supporters such as the Bielfeldt Foundation and Advanced Medical Transport.

The Peoria Riverfront Museum, a multidisciplinary institution, aims to inspire learning through its collections and programming. It is dedicated to telling stories that encourage confidence and foster a spirit of lifelong discovery. The upcoming exhibition stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the determination of a nation to heal and move forward, marking not just the events of a singular day, but a shared journey of remembrance and commemoration.

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition offers a profound reflection on freedom—sustained through both ideals and the collective commitment to remember the past. Visitors to the Peoria Riverfront Museum can look forward to a deeply engaging experience that honors the legacy of those lost while highlighting the incredible resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.