Our Past Is Present September 11, 2018

September 11, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            It is normal for us to bring you a story about the Opera House on Tuesdays. However, since this is September 11, we wanted to take a different approach.  A story about the history of the Opera House will be heard tomorrow.

            September 11, 2001 will be a day that many of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about the terrorist attacks on our nation. The Museum staff and I discussed this at the Museum one Thursday when I was waiting for guests to arrive and this is what each stated.

            Heather Hagedorn, our Curator was in seventh grade in Mr. Fair’s history class at Fox River Grove Middle School in Illinois.  They were getting ready to watch a movie in class, when she and her classmates observed teachers talking quietly about something that had happened, but the students had not been told.  Since the school was 40 miles from Chicago, the school was put on a “Red Alert”, which meant they were on lock down.

            Jennifer Dixon, our Director of Programs and Education, was living in Germany where her husband had been assigned. She watched on television as the second plane hit the Twin Towers.  She stated that a German native who lived near them and didn’t speak English, went around the neighborhood showing a newspaper article with pictures and then gave the wives a rose.  Jennifer said every car going on Post was inspected to include the use of mirrors used to look under vehicles for any explosive devices. 

            Katie Goerl, our Executive Director, stated that she and her classmates were not allowed to watch the television.  The teachers told students and about the attacks, and they had some discussion, but the emphasis was to keep the day as normal as possible.  After school she went to a friend’s house and later home.  When she arrived home, Katie’s mother told her she was glad Katie was safe.  Katie responded with “Of course, I am safe, we live in Kansas.” 

            Even if you were not alive in 2001, we hope you will take a moment to reflect on the day of 9-11-2001 and join us in thanking those who keep us safe today and every day.

            And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.