State archives’ new exhibit honors those who died in Pa. plane crash on 9/11

The Pennsylvania State Archives has opened an exhibit honoring the 40 passengers and crew members who died on United Flight 93 on Sept. The hijacked plane was taken over by passengers and crew who forced it to crash in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, instead of allowing hijackers to hit the White House. Other planes that day were crashed into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. “Witness to History: Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001” opened Wednesday at the archives in 1681 N. First St. in Harrisburg. The free exhibit marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and showcases how Pennsylvania responded when Flight 93 crashed.

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Scoop News DeskPa · Published Friday, September 4, 2026 at 9:15 AM UTCUpdated Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 6:16 AM UTC

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The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission announced the exhibit will feature original documents and artifacts from that day and the months-long recovery effort that followed. “This exhibit offers a deeply moving look at how our commonwealth responded in a moment of unprecedented crisis,” said Andrea Lowery, executive director of PHMC. “By sharing these powerful primary documents, firsthand accounts, and personal expressions of support, the Pennsylvania State Archives ensures that the heroism of the Flight 93 passengers and the dedication of our first responders are preserved, studied, and remembered for generations to come.” Among the items on display are State Police Commissioner Colonel Paul J.

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