Up Close at Ground Zero: FEMA Photos by Andrea Booher

  • April 19, 2022
Volunteers in red hard hats hand out water bottles at Ground Zero

The rescue, recovery, and eventual rebuilding that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks is one of history’s most inspiring examples of resilience.

In just over a month, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum — and the world as a whole — will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the end of the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Ahead of that May 30 milestone, we're showcasing the diverse stories and artifacts of community members who contributed to those efforts in myriad ways following 9/11. This photo blog post features a selection of powerful images captured by Andrea Booher, who documented the rescue and recovery efforts for FEMA. 

  • The pile at Ground Zero, against a dusty sky with sunlight peeking through in upper right corner
  • The pile at Ground Zero, with a reddish tinge
  • A group of rescue and recovery workers stand along the pile at Ground Zero
  • A rescue and recovery worker walking toward the pile at Ground Zero
  • The lower Manhattan skyline, with smoke from the fire filling the air
  • Sunset on the pile at Ground Zero
  • A trio of Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers wearing red hard hats and khaki uniforms
  • Back view of a rescue and recovery worker looking out at the ruins of Ground Zero
  • A rescue and recovery worker (lower left) looks out at the wreckage of Ground Zero, with an orange tinged sky

Previous Post

National Volunteer Week: Rescue, Recovery, & Respite

ID badge with photo, the organization name MERT in red letters, and the logo of the American Massage Therapy Association

We'll be marking National Volunteer Week with stories of community members who dedicate their time, talents, and hearts to helping others. Kicking things off is a look at Richard Testa, who gave his time in the weeks following 9/11 to provide certified massage therapy for rescue and recovery workers. 

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Next Post

National Volunteer Week: Light Amid Darkness

A piece of lighting equipment with black handle and base, used at Ground Zero

As National Volunteer Week continues, we highlight 9/11 community member Charles Libin, who donated his time — and the gift of light — to the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. 

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