- 2009 – The Village of Oak Lawn and Oak Lawn Rotary Club partner to bring four beams of the
World Trade Center towers to Oak Lawn in order to create a monument in recognition of first
responders. - 2011 – The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is offered two pieces of the beams to create an
exhibit. - 2012 – The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn opens “We the People,” an exhibit focused on the
days that followed 9/11, focused on friendship, helping others, patriotism and coming together
as a nation. - 2019 – “We the People” travels locally to the White Oak Library District where it is met with great
review. - 2023 – “We the People” travels to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon,
Michigan where it is escorted by first responders and the Illinois Patriot Guard from the
Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn and welcomed by first responders and the Michigan Patriot
Guard at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. - 2024 – “We the People” officially becomes a traveling historic exhibit
Our Vision
9/11 was a tragic day for our country. Educating younger
generations about this tragedy bridges the gap of firsthand
experience and fosters understanding of its lasting impact on our
nation. It is our vision to make this exhibit available to smaller
museums in smaller communities throughout the United States of
America that might not otherwise have the opportunity to bring an
exhibit of this historical magnitude to their town
Our Commitment
It is the commitment of the Children’s Museum in
Oak Lawn to share this exhibit with communities
throughout our country. Discovery Trailers in
Elkhart, Indiana, built a custom trailer for us to be
able to transport this exhibit to your community.
Your Commitment
There are no fees to host this exhibit. We only request that the hosting institution agree to
cover the costs associated with the transport to and from your location, provide insurance
for the exhibit while it is in your care, ensure that the exhibit remains in good working
order and cover the costs of any damages that may be incurred while in your care.
The Exhibit
At the center of the exhibit are two beam pieces from the north tower of the World Trade
Center which serves as a powerful reminder of the September 11th attacks. The Talk-Back
Star Table, designed to engage children in thinking and communicating about helping
others in their community, complements the beams
Contact Us
If your organization is interested in hosting this exhibit, please contact Adam Woodworth at adam.woodworth@cmoaklawn.org or by calling (708) 423-6709 extenstion 201
