More than 11 years after the 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church, the Emanuel Nine Memorial will open on November 14, 2026 next to the historic church in Charleston. Designed by Michael Arad of the National September 11 Memorial, the site features a courtyard with the Fountain of Grace, Fellowship Benches, a Cross of Hope and a planned Survivors' Garden honoring five survivors. The memorial aims to preserve the stories of the Emanuel Nine and provide a lasting place for reflection, education and community healing.
Emanuel Nine Memorial To Open Nov. 14, 2026 — A New Place For Remembrance And Healing In Charleston
Credit: Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation
More than 11 years after the 2015 mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church, Charleston will soon welcome a permanent public memorial honoring the nine worshippers killed during a Bible study. The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation announced the Emanuel Nine Memorial will open to the public on November 14, 2026.
The memorial, sited adjacent to the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, is intended as a space for remembrance, quiet reflection and public education about the lives lost and the community affected by the attack.
Credit: Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation
Designed by Michael Arad — the architect behind New York City’s National September 11 Memorial — the site aims to preserve the personal stories of the Emanuel Nine while conveying a message of empathy and enduring love.
“We have a responsibility to make sure the lives of the Emanuel Nine and the lessons of this tragedy are never forgotten,” said Deona Smith, executive director of the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation. “This memorial gives people a place to remember them, learn their stories, and reflect on how each of us can help build a future rooted in understanding, compassion, and love.”
Key elements of the Emanuel Nine Memorial include:
Credit: Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation
- Memorial Courtyard centered on the Fountain of Grace, a contemplative focal point for visitors.
- Fellowship Benches placed for quiet reflection and connection.
- Cross of Hope, a symbolic element honoring faith and resilience.
- Survivors' Garden, the memorial’s final element, expected to begin development soon and dedicated to the five survivors, completing the reimagined church grounds.
Once finished, the memorial and the Survivors' Garden will physically and spiritually connect the site to Mother Emanuel AME Church and offer an enduring place to learn about the Emanuel Nine and the community’s response to the tragedy.
Additional details about public hours, ceremonies and visiting logistics for the November 14 opening will be released in the coming weeks. For official updates, visit emanuelnine.org.
Help us improve.
