The National September 11th Memorial is located on 8 acres in downtown Manhattan, once the site of two of the world’s most recognizable buildings and, of course, the attacks of 9/11. Since its opening in September 2011, millions of people have visited. During that same time many thousands of visitors have gone on walking tours of the Memorial, but none have experienced what this unique tour has to offer. Using the original blueprints drawn in 1967, step back in time and view the exact locations of the original architectural elements of where the Twin Towers stood. Stand in the precise locations and learn the stories of the heroes who saved thousands of lives and in many cases sacrificed their own life. Using building plans specifically designed for this tour, prepare for the most dramatic tour of the 9/11 Memorial done to date.

This unique 9/11 Memorial tour was created by Ed Welter, a licensed NYC sightseeing guide and owner of a construction management company for 34 years.Ed has done various tours on the 9/11 Memorial, The Woolworth building, The 5 points along with many other lower Manhattan sites for over 10 years. These two career paths have converged to inspire him along with longtime friend Lisa Kleist to develop the concept of using the original WTC blueprints, and the numbered memorial panels that surround the memorial pools, to identify architectural features and events that took place on September 11th, 2001: the day New York – and the United States – stood still. Ed’s speciality is explaining  how the Twin Towers were built and why they collapsed.

In addition to his long career in construction and leading walking tours, Ed has been heavily involved with supporting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers foundation by both fundraising, as well as donating his skills to the construction division of the foundation. Tunnel to Towers builds smart homes for catastrophically injured servicemen and women among their many charitable programs. For every ticket sold, $1 will be donated to The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers foundation

The tour is co-lead by Lisa, who is a licensed New York City sightseeing gude and has lived in New York City since the 1970’s. During that time, she witnessed the building of the original World Trade Center and was able to visit both the Observatory and Windows on the World. She has observed the evolution of the neighborhood around the WTC, which mirrored the changes in the rest of the city and indeed, the world. Lisa has brought many friends and family to the World Trade Center site both before and after 9/11. She has always had an interest in both architecture and history, specifically New York City history. She has also given tours of the Woolworth Building Lobby and the
Samuel Tilden mansion, now the National Arts Club.

Headsets will be provided free of charge to each guest, ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly.

Please note: Tickets to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum must be purchased separately and are not included in this tour.