The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with a special exhibit that showcases dozens of rarely seen artifacts from that day. Running through Saturday, the exhibit includes items like seat belts and a flight attendant call button from United Airlines Flight 93, a purse filled with keys and a wallet recovered from the World Trade Center site, and a telephone that was on the desk of U.S. Solicitor General Ted Olson when his wife, Barbara, called from a hijacked plane. These items provide a tangible connection to the events of that day and the people affected by them. The museum, which has been collecting items related to the attacks since shortly after they occurred, regularly displays some of these artifacts throughout its vast exhibits on the National Mall. However, this week's exhibit is unique in that the items are placed on tables for visitors to see up close, rather than behind glass. Museum director Anthea Hartig noted that some of the items being displayed are "so fragile they'll probably never go on display" again. The exhibit aims to help visitors both remember the events of Sept. 11 and reconnect with the history as a new generation of Americans who did not experience the attacks firsthand grows up. Some of the items in the exhibit reflect the everyday life of the early 2000s, such as a beeper belonging to an employee who worked on the 97th floor of the South Tower and a candy dispenser from the Pentagon that still contains melted chocolate. The museum has faced criticism from conservative groups, particularly after the White House released a report on Independence Day that labeled the museum's leadership as radical activists. Hartig faced congressional hearings in July, where Republicans argued the museum should present a more unifying version of American history. Historians expressed concern that political forces might prioritize revisionism over historical accuracy. Despite the political scrutiny, Hartig said the Sept. 11 exhibit was not influenced by the current debates. She emphasized that the museum's role is to serve as a repository of memory and history, documenting different perspectives and political moments. The museum may face more changes in the future, as Lonnie Bunch, the current leader of the Smithsonian Institution, has announced his intention to step down. Bunch's successor will be chosen by a Board of Regents that includes a mix of political figures and citizen representatives. Hartig acknowledged that leadership transitions are complex but expressed confidence in the American public's ability to engage with the complexities of their history.