"The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History was directed by Congress to collect and document the events of September 11 for the nation. This collection of recovered artifacts, images, posters and personal items, represents its efforts to collect 'history as it is happening' for future generations," said design firm Second Story. "The Web site gives the public broader access to this unusual national collection, and allows visitors to learn the behind-the-scenes collection process through interviews with Museum curators. Detailed captions, plus notes from curators and donors, provide rare insight and context to objects which have become extraordinary symbols of this history."