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The 9/11 Memorial Museum opens to the public this Wednesday, and over the weekend, families of the victims, first responders, local politicians, and President Obama were invited in early. In an article dedicated to the museum's gift shop, the New York Post writes, "Political outrage erupted Sunday over the 9/11 memorial museum's peddling of such crass items as FDNY dog vests and designer jewelry near where the remains of the fallen are housed."
Other merchandise for sale includes Pandora charm bracelets, $100 silk scarves, and tee shirts with logos for the NYPD, Port Authority, FDNY, and more. Brooklyn State Senator Martin Golden tells the paper, "I honestly don't think it's appropriate—selling scarves to commercialize the deaths of 3,000 people."
But as Gothamist and Twitter point out, "most museums—including the Holocaust Museum—have gift shops as ways of funding." CEO Joe Daniels reiterates that sales from the gift shop, along with donations, private fundraising, and entry, are what supports the museum itself.
· Politicans rip crass 9/11 museum gift shop [NYP]
· Families, NY Post Offended By 'Crass' 9/11 Museum Gift Shop [Gothamist]
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