Oral History of the U.S. House of Representatives
“Due to the Circumstances of Today”: The U.S. House of Representatives Remembers September 11, 2001
Introduction
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Office of the House Historian conducted a series of interviews with former Representatives, House officials, and employees. This ongoing, event-based oral history project focuses on eyewitness accounts of 9/11, as well as the subsequent effect of the attacks on the institution. Divided thematically, this Web site features video and audio clips of interviewees reflecting on their personal experiences of that tragic day and the weeks and months that followed. “Due to the Circumstances of Today”—the quotation used in the title of this project—was the language drafted by House officials for the Congressional Record to explain the emergency recess on the morning of September 11, 2001. Learn more about the oral history program for the U.S. House of Representatives.
September 11, 2001: A Narrative
Watch “September 11, 2001: A Narrative,” a video compilation featuring eyewitness accounts and unique perspectives from the U.S. House of Representatives on 9/11. The narrative includes memories of the abbreviated proceedings on the House Floor, the evacuation of the U.S. Capitol, the secure location provided for House and Senate leaders, and the press conference and impromptu singing of “God Bless America” by Members of Congress on the Capitol steps that evening. Additional interviews and more detail on the events covered in this video can be found in the four event topics: September 11, 2001, Reaction and Response, Security and Safety, and In Retrospect.
Images and Artifacts
View an array of historical images and artifacts related to the history of Congress and the attacks on September 11, 2001. Items include historic images, as well as commemorative items such as posters and pins.
Interviewees
Interviewees for this project include former Representatives, House officials and employees, and select eyewitnesses to the events of September 11, 2001. The titles for interviewees reflect their respective positions on 9/11. View a complete list of interviewees, deed-of-gift forms, and audio or video clips. Individuals who worked for the House on 9/11 are encouraged to share their memories.
Historical Highlights
Read a series of historical highlights about Congress, September 11, 2001, and related events involving the U.S. House of Representatives after the attacks. Also, view a graphic timeline detailing the major incidents on 9/11, with both a national scope and a congressional focus.