Following a visit to the museum a visitor can purchase T-shirts, hats, earrings, bracelets, blankets, key chains, mugs, tote bags, cell phone cases, books, DVDs, and much more... all the basic gift shop fare. The proceeds along with the entrance fees for the museum all go to fund the reported $63 million operating budget.
Politicians have also voiced concerns over some of the items for sale in the gift shop claiming that it appears that 9/11 is being glorified for profit. This is especially troubling considering that aside from the memorial and the museum, the site is also the literal final resting place of hundreds of people who could not be identified following the attacks and collapse of the towers.
Please read the complete New York Post article for more details. Also please keep in mind that Travel Club will be visiting the museum this coming December and you may have to decide if it is appropriate or not to purchase some of these "souvenirs."
Thoughts?