Keys to World Trade Centre to go on display in Cavan
Artifacts belonging to Hugh Smith, a Cavan man who survived the 9/11 attacks and participated in the recovery efforts, are being exhibited at the Cavan County Museum. The exhibition commemorates the 25th anniversary of the tragedy.
Why it matters
It highlights the personal connection between Ireland and the 9/11 tragedy through the legacy of a local survivor.
Keys to the World Trade Centre are among artefacts belonging to 9/11 survivor and Cavan man Hugh Smith that will go on display in the county this weekend.
Mr Smith, who was originally from Termon, survived the collapse of the Twin Towers but became a prominent figure in the rescue and clean-up effort.
He had made Warwick, New York, his home and as a carpenter, worked on the construction of the World Trade Centre and continued to work there in maintenance for 27 years until the 2001 terrorist attack.
He helped other survivors to escape and then dedicated the following weeks and months to the recovery operation.
Hugh Smith died in April 2025, but before his death, he bequeathed some of his most cherished mementos of the World Trade Centre to the Cavan County Museum, which is hosting an exhibition to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
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