Hard Hat
- Description
- Plastic hard hat with a cap-style brim and interior ratchet suspension. The hard hat is white with an American flag on the front and printed text that reads: "United We Stand." On the top of the hat, handwritten text in blue marker reads: "WTC | SEP 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 21 | 22." "ELLIOT" is written on the back of the hat, and Don Johnson's signature is written on the side.
- Historical Notes
- Volunteers of every age, background, and ability flocked to Ground Zero, intent on supporting rescue and recovery operations. Some signed on with organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, while others volunteered independently.
Curator's Comment
Gil Elliot was at his information technology job in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, on the morning of 9/11. At the time, he resided in Rockland County, NY, where he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Central Nyack Fire Department. After becoming aware of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, Elliot left work and reported to his volunteer firehouse, but the department never responded to lower Manhattan.
Shortly after the attacks, Elliot connected with his longtime friend Don Johnson in Pennsylvania, discussing ways they could help with the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. The two decided to join the American Red Cross. On September 14, they found their way together to the American Red Cross chapter location in Midtown Manhattan where they received training and credentials. For a short time, Elliott worked in an American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), where he assisted in distributing supplies. Both Elliot and Johnson were stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. There, they befriended FEMA responders who helped them get credentialed with New York City’s Office of Emergency Management, allowing them to enter Ground Zero. First cleared into Ground Zero on September 16, Elliot worked at the site until September 23.
Shortly after the attacks, Elliot connected with his longtime friend Don Johnson in Pennsylvania, discussing ways they could help with the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. The two decided to join the American Red Cross. On September 14, they found their way together to the American Red Cross chapter location in Midtown Manhattan where they received training and credentials. For a short time, Elliott worked in an American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), where he assisted in distributing supplies. Both Elliot and Johnson were stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. There, they befriended FEMA responders who helped them get credentialed with New York City’s Office of Emergency Management, allowing them to enter Ground Zero. First cleared into Ground Zero on September 16, Elliot worked at the site until September 23.
- Accession Number: C.2022.41.1
- Dimensions: 8 in X 9 in X 11 in
- Dimensions (Metric): 20.32 cm X 22.86 cm X 27.94 cm
- Source: Gil Elliot
- Credit Line: Gift of Gil Elliot
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