Reach for the Stars: Celebrating Christa McAuliffe
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center-Special Event Series
January 24th - February 1st, 2026
Where were you in January 28th, 1986? Join us at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for “Reach for the Stars: Celebrating Christa McAuliffe”, a week-long tribute honoring the life, courage, and legacy of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, and the Challenger crew who lost their lives 40 years ago, on January 28th, 1986.
NHPBS Documentary Christa Showing in the Planetarium Theater
America’s first teacher selected for space, Christa McAuliffe is the focus of a powerful documentary about the creation of a statue commemorating her remarkable legacy. The statue, unveiled September 2024 on the New Hampshire State House lawn was sculpted by renowned Idaho artist Benjamin Victor. This documentary celebrates Christa's life and her enduring legacy. Through interviews with former students, New Hampshire dignitaries, and educators, she is remembered as a teacher who believed that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. As the first woman and educator to be commemorated with a statue on the New Hampshire State House lawn, Christa remains an inspiration to the next generation of dreamers and achieve.
Recommended for all ages
Free with general admission tickets
Reach for the Stars: Then, Now, & Forever
January 28th, 2026, Special After Hours Event
On Wednesday, January 28th, the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, the Discovery Center will host a special event honoring the legacy of Christa McAuliffe, the crew of STS-51L, and the Teacher in Space Project. The evening will feature a presentation by astronaut Ricky Arnold, who carried Christa’s Lost Lessons to space, along with the unveiling of a new exhibit showcasing artifacts such as letters, artwork, and other items sent to Concord from around the world in the wake of the tragedy.
Together, we will reflect on the excitement of the Teacher in Space Project, remember the profound loss of the Challenger crew, and be inspired to carry Christa’s mission of education, curiosity, and exploration forward into the future.
Schedule of Events:
4:30 PM: Doors Open
5:00 PM: Christa’s Lost Lesson with NASA Astronaut, Ricky Arnold followed by a Q&A, and the opportunity to try the lessons yourself!
6:00 PM: Unveiling of new Christa McAuliffe exhibit
6:30 PM: Legacy of Challenger Discussion Panel hosted by Concord Monitor
The Concord Monitor joins The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center at NHTI's Sweeney Hall for a panel on the legacy of Christa McAuliffe. Moderated by News Editor Rebeca Pereira and Community Editor Rachel Wachman, this panel features astronaut Ricky Arnold, who took Christa's lessons into space in the 2010s, Kathleen Young, who produced the NH PBS documentary "Christa" last year, and Amber Woods, who oversees the Discovery Center's archival trove of Challenger memorabilia. Join us for an evening exploring the ways in which Christa's legacy lives on in the Concord community — and in the world at large. Attendees will have the chance to hear from the panelists, ask questions, and get an inside glimpse into the Monitor's reporting process in crafting a special publication dedicated to Christa and the Challenger crew.
CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe
January 31st, 2026, TIME
Journey through Christa’s life in this multi-media immersive living history performance, suitable for all ages. CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe pays homage to the United States’ Teacher in Space Program and the crew of the NASA space shuttle. Discover the true story behind the incredible teacher, the American pioneer, and the internationally recognized heroine in a program made possible due to the generosity of the Bob Jolly Charitable Trust. The performance has been approved by the McAuliffe and Corrigan Families.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 PM: Doors Open
5:30 PM: Performance Begins at NHTI’s Sweeney Hall (Park at NHTI, enter through Sweeney Hall main doors)
7:00 PM: Q&A
8:00 PM: Doors Close