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As the U.S. marks the anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to mention the Preview Site for the National September 11 Memorial for readers who live in the New York area or are planning a visit here.

The Preview Site provides a sense of the forthcoming National Memorial and Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2011. It welcomed its millionth visitor less than a year after opening its doors in August, 2009. It is definitely worth a visit. That’s a sentiment shared by Christina Stephens from Louisiana’s Office of Homeland Security, who went to the Preview Site earlier this summer and told me she was quite effected by it.

Once there, visitors can help contribute to the permanent Museum by sharing their 9/11 stories. An on-site recording booth allows the public to record their stories for the Museum’s planned introductory exhibition, which will feature a soundscape of people’s voices remembering – in multiple languages – where they were on September 11, 2001, and how they learned of the attacks. To date, more than 2,900 people have recorded their 9/11 story in more than 10 different languages. The Preview Site is located at 20 Vesey St. in lower Manhattan and is open seven days a week.

Vibeke Arensbak of Denmark, the millionth visitor of the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, is cheered by Memorial Board Member Anthoula Katsimatides and Museum Director Alice M. Greenwald (Photo: Amy Dreher)