Hard to argue 9/11 isn't about money: 9/11 Museum to Charge $24 Admission Fee

Crain's reported that the 9/11 Museum will charge a $24 admission fee.  This isn't a shock, and you can read the article about their reason (fee will fill a gap for operating).  I fully support this approach, and it is completely justified (and needed).  But, I do think there is a bigger implication.  This approach and the way the Museum is being positioned clearly demonstrate that 9/11 has become monetized.  On the surface, the Museum is about memory and mourning, but it has taken on a life as an economic force.  The 9/11 Museum will have economic impact.  You know this is part of the backroom discussions (it always was and will be).  9/11 will drive admission sales and gift shop sales.  And restaurant sales and hotel overnights and taxi fares and so on.  The Memorial already has this impact.  The 9/11 Museum, through no fault of its own, has further developed 9/11 into a revenue generating force.  In a way, this is a culmination of the material culture response that I relate through my collection here.  Although the Museum will display objects related to the actual event, the Museum will also feature the material culture that developed around 9/11.  And many of these items were tied directly to sales and consumerism, which I've highlighted here.  Ironically, the 9/11 Museum's Gift Shop now perpetuates this phenomena.  I always know that if I really want to look for new examples to add to my collection, I can always visit the 9/11 Gift Shop. 

Corporate Curating: Companies Telling Their 9/11 Stories with Consumer Goods

Please note, my ideas here are a work in progress...
As I've reflected more about my collection, and especially in consideration of some recent object additions, I've come to the conclusion that the connection between September 11th and consumer goods (material culture, etc) is more complex than I thought.  It isn't simply an issue of a material good developed as a patriotic symbol or in commemoration of 9/11.  There is something quite directed with these objects, seemingly curated.  I would argue that many (not all are a clear fit) objects featured here are developed and presented as unique and special, and are meant to be representations of the very companies that created them.  In fact, I suggest these objects are created by their respective companies with the idea in mind and influence of museum culture.  Thus, these objects are examples of "corporate curating."  I'm not talking about corporations collecting and curating their own art collections, which is often what we associate this phrase with.  No, instead I mean the idea of companies creating consumable, household goods/products that also offer a message and meaning and impact beyond their use.  For example, look at my recent addition of The Sak.  This 9/11 tribute purse features the American flag.  The Sak company developed the bag and some other related items after September 11th to support a foundation focused on literacy created in memory of Brooke Jackman, a victim of the tragedy.  Now, on the surface, The Sak, like many of the companies and examples I feature here, is using their product to support social good through consumption (portion of the proceeds, etc are donated to something/group/foundation tied to 9/11).  But, The Sak's motivation is more than just sales and giving money to a good cause.  They are developing an object that puts their stamp and perspective on this event in American history.  They are "curating" and offering their interpretation of this significant event.  It is corporate curating, where they develop and produce a good that tells their story.  The quintessential example, which is another recent addition, is the book Remembrance & Renewal: American Express After 9/11.  Here we have American Express that creates a book to document how their company was impacted by September 11th.  But more importantly, American Express is putting their own spin on the event (corporate curating) and marking their place in history.  After 9/11, their were many companies who threw their hat in the ring regarding goods and items tied or influenced by the event.  As I have featured here, a milk bottle, comics, tissues, candy, air freshener and many others are examples.  Many of these companies would never have considered tying their goods to a tragic event, but September 11th changed everything.  The idea of using social good (supporting a cause or nonprofit) to drive sales has been around well before 9/11.  But, the idea of companies "curating" their own tribute and remembrance and perspective was the result of 9/11.  Furthermore, I would argue that this concept was mainstreamed as a result of September 11th, which is evidenced by the variety of the types of goods, which I've collected and highlighted.      

Regretsy Blog Offers September 11th Perspective of Images and Objects and "The Unpleasantness"

A friend shared this post from Regretsy, which offered an overview:

To commemorate the 9th anniversary of what I like to call “The Unpleasantness”, I’m going to subject you to an extensive, handpicked assortment of Nine-Elevenalia.

I must preface this post by saying that I did not create anything you see here. Like every Regretsy post, I’m only the curator of this exhibit.

Take a look at the post. It is quite a collection of different images and some objects.