The Lorenzo Cultural Center presents special exhibit and program series in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 08:00 AM
The Lorenzo Cultural Center presents special exhibit and program series in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Former USAF Maj. Heather “Lucky” Penney, ordered to intercept United Flight 93, and retired USMC Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling, who was inside the White House bunker on 9/11, will share their unique stories
The Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, will present 9/11: When the World Stopped Turning Aug. 10-Sept. 12. The free special exhibit and program series will reflect on the events of 9/11 and honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders.
“9/11: When the World Stopped Turning offers an opportunity to remember, reflect and learn from the events that forever changed our nation,” said William Wood, director of cultural affairs and community engagement at Macomb Community College. “We’ve brought together artifacts, stories and expert perspectives to meaningfully engage visitors in learning about and reflecting on the impact of 9/11.”
The exhibit will feature approximately 30 artifacts on loan from the New York State Museum and additional items from local collections. There will be authentic items from the sites of the Sept. 11 events, including personal items such as cell phones and wallets, other items such as fire hose connectors, elevator plaques, a streetlamp, ambulance doors and a fragment from the Pentagon. Pieces created to honor the lives lost and the tragedy of the events, such as a prayer rug and painting, will also be on display.
Five presentations will also be offered, including:
- Aug. 18, 1 p.m.: 9/11 and the Ordinary Hero Inside Us All. Heather “Lucky” Penney, known as the United States Air Force lieutenant assigned on Sept. 11 to pilot her F-16 on a suicide mission to intercept United Flight 93, was among the first wave of women who went directly into fighters from pilot training. She will share her experiences on 9/11, honoring the service and heroism of all those who served and demonstrating how everyone has the capacity to be an everyday hero.
- Aug. 27, 7 p.m.: Sept. 11, 2001, The White House: Inside the President’s Bunker. Retired Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling, who was in the Presidential Emergency Operations Center on Sept. 11, will deliver an “edge of your seat” presentation on crisis leadership and decision-making. He will describe the moment the attacks were realized through the responses that followed while highlighting safeguards put in place since then.
- Aug. 29, 1 p.m.: A Day in the Life of a Firefighter. Chris Martin, retired Sterling Heights fire chief and current Macomb Community College Fire Academy instructor, will describe the day-to-day duties of a firefighter and how emergency responders played a crucial role on Sept. 11 and its aftermath.
- Sept. 11, 1 p.m.: 9/11 Inside the Pentagon. The harrowing stories of the survivors of the attack on the Pentagon, which took the lives of 184, are told in this documentary.
- Sept. 12, 1 p.m.: History of the Fire Service Before & After 9/11. Chris Martin, retired Sterling Heights fire chief and Macomb Community College Fire Academy instructor, discusses the fire service and the ways in which it changed following Sept. 11.
A reflection space will be available for guests to write down their memories related to Sept. 11 and to reflect on the 25th anniversary. There will also be area where children can read related books, complete puzzles and do activity sheets.
The exhibit will be open Aug. 10-Sept. 12, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed for the Labor Day weekend. While both the exhibit and presentations are free, registration is recommended for the presentations. To register and for more information, go to https://www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com/. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages. It extends student discovery beyond classroom walls as well as creating multi-faceted opportunities for community members to explore the influences and experiences that shape our heritage. It is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. More information is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.
Media contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, 586.349.8737, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu