---
title: "Smithsonian Exhibit Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/smithsonian-exhibit-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-attacks"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/smithsonian-exhibit-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-attacks"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/smithsonian-exhibit-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-attacks.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/smithsonian-exhibit-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-attacks"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-10T22:05:33.828Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-10T19:37:32.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-10T22:05:33.828Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 15
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-10T21:44:05.344Z"
---

# Smithsonian Exhibit Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

*Museum displays rare artifacts, including items from Flight 93 and World Trade Center, as director addresses political scrutiny.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the Associated Press, and the full report names specific artifacts and museum officials.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, but lacks quotes from affected parties or details on what happens next.
- Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. The language is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or loaded adjectives.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a special exhibit.
- Artifacts on display include items from United Airlines Flight 93 and the World Trade Center, presented on tables due to their fragility.
- Museum director Anthea Hartig stated that political scrutiny from President Trump and Republicans did not influence the exhibit's creation.
- Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has announced plans to step down from his position.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks with an exhibit of rare artifacts. Items on display include seat belts and a call button from United Airlines Flight 93, a purse from the World Trade Center site, and a telephone from Ted Olson's desk. Some objects, such as a beeper from the South Tower and a candy dispenser from the Pentagon, are also featured. The exhibit is presented on tables, rather than behind glass, as some items are too fragile for future display, according to museum director Anthea Hartig. The exhibit runs through Saturday.

The museum has faced scrutiny from President Trump and Republicans regarding its presentation of American history. Hartig stated that this scrutiny did not influence the September 11 exhibit and that the museum documents various political moments. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has announced plans to step down. Hartig acknowledged that leadership transitions are complicated but expressed confidence in Americans' ability to embrace their past.

## Coverage comparison

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention that museum director Anthea Hartig stated some items are too fragile for future display. None of the centre-rated digests mention that museum director Anthea Hartig stated some items are too fragile for future display. None of the right-rated digests mention that museum director Anthea Hartig stated some items are too fragile for future display.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 30 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 40% (12)
- Centre: 57% (17)
- Right: 3% (1)

4 of 34 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-10T21:44:05.344Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-11T00:15:32.925Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports highlighted the Smithsonian's display of artifacts from the September 11 attacks. These reports noted the inclusion of items such as seat belts and a call button from United Airlines Flight 93, a purse from the World Trade Center site, and a telephone from Ted Olson's desk. Several left-rated reports mentioned that museum director Anthea Hartig stated the scrutiny from President Trump and Republicans did not influence the exhibit. They also reported that Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has announced plans to step down. The Associated Press is cited as the source for many of these reports.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on the Smithsonian's exhibit marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. These reports detailed the artifacts on display, including items from United Airlines Flight 93 and the World Trade Center. Several centre-rated reports included comments from museum director Anthea Hartig, who stated that political scrutiny did not influence the exhibit and that the museum documents various political moments. The announcement of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch's plans to step down was also noted in these reports.

### Right

- The single right-rated report mentioned that the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a display of rare artifacts. It listed items such as seat belts and a flight attendant call button from United Airlines Flight 93, and a purse recovered from the World Trade Center site.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 2
- high: 23
- unknown: 7
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Hoodline](https://hoodline.com/2026/09/smithsonian-9-11-display-opens-as-lonnie-bunch-plans-departure) — Smithsonian 9/11 Exhibit Opens Amid Leadership Shakeup
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/news/national/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts - Regional Media News
- [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette](https://post-gazette.com/news/nation/2026/09/10/smithsonian-25th-anniversary-9-11-display-artifacts/stories/202609100053) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Enid News & Eagle](https://enidnews.com/region/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_f6fa9f12-27bf-5c9b-a844-a6f102941ee6.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [verdenews.com](https://verdenews.com/news/national/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_8acd8170-ac03-5790-afde-0d4f190b906a.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare arti
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/09/10/smithsonian-sept-11-display) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_b230b166-6735-577b-860d-f5e80acb80dc.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/smithsonian-donald-trump-washington-world-trade-center-republicans-b3048188.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/smithsonian-american-history-sept-11-6936dca901cde09e5b5b021a7e478dfb) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [WPLG](https://local10.com/news/national/2026/09/10/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/09/10/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KOB 4](https://kob.com/ap-top-news/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Click on Detroit](https://clickondetroit.com/news/politics/2026/09/10/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-911-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/09/10/nation/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/smithsonian-donald-trump-washington-world-trade-center-republicans-b3048188.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KXL](https://kxl.com/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [NBC Washington](https://nbcwashington.com/news/local/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/4152710) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [nowgeorgia.com](https://nowgeorgia.com/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts - Now Georgia
- [WTVR](https://wtvr.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KJRH](https://kjrh.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KZTV](https://kztv10.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_0cf46878-6452-578d-97e0-859a437c6427.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_3a5478a3-a9d2-5de9-a26a-5bf8508bb53a.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/world/united-states/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts/article_4cd6913a-8752-53f7-87d5-791836d087fb.html) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KBZK](https://kbzk.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KPAX](https://kpax.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KTVH](https://ktvh.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KTVQ](https://ktvq.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KXLH.com](https://kxlh.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/09/10/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [KGUN 9](https://kgun9.com/sports/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/smithsonian-marks-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-with-a-display-of-rare-artifacts) — Smithsonian marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a display of rare artifacts

## Questions

**What is the Smithsonian National Museum of American History commemorating?**

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a special exhibit. The display features rarely seen items from that day.

**What kind of artifacts are on display?**

Artifacts on display include seat belts and a call button from United Airlines Flight 93, a purse from the World Trade Center site, and a telephone from Ted Olson's desk. Some items are too fragile for future display and are presented on tables.

**Has the museum faced political scrutiny?**

Yes, the museum has faced scrutiny from President Trump and Republicans regarding its presentation of American history. Museum director Anthea Hartig stated this scrutiny did not influence the September 11 exhibit.

**What is happening with the Smithsonian's leadership?**

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch has announced plans to step down. Museum director Anthea Hartig acknowledged that leadership transitions are complicated but expressed confidence in the public's ability to engage with the nation's past.

---

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