Peoria Riverfront Museum Unveils Landmark 9/11 Exhibition

Running from September 5, 2026, through April 11, 2027, the exhibition titled "We Remember: Stories from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum" draws heavily from the permanent collection in New York. Among the items on display are gear recovered from a surviving firefighter, a segment of steel salvaged from Ground Zero, and Eric Fischl’s bronze sculpture, "Tumbling Woman." The exhibit also incorporates pieces from the New York Historical Society and the Lincoln Heritage Museum to broaden the historical context.

Beyond national artifacts, the display highlights local ties to the tragedy. It features accounts from employees of the Peoria-based RLI Corporation, who maintained offices in the World Trade Center, and pays tribute to Charles "Chip" Chan, the only Peoria native who perished in the attacks. On September 11, 2026, at 10 a.m., the museum will host a public remembrance ceremony led by Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger. The event will include remarks from community leaders and the parents of Charles Chan, Julia and John Chan, marking a solemn milestone for the region.