Reach for the Stars: Then, Now, Forever
Unveiling of new Christa McAuliffe Exhibit
Presented by George and Annette Barnett (SIAA Technologies)
Step into a powerful and deeply human story of exploration, education, and remembrance. This new exhibit honors the Challenger mission (STS-51-L), its extraordinary crew, and the life and legacy of Concord’s own Christa McAuliffe.
At the heart of the exhibit are never-before-seen artifacts- letters, artwork, and personal messages sent to Concord from around the world in the days and weeks following the tragedy. These items capture a global outpouring of grief, hope, and gratitude, revealing how deeply the Challenger crew touched people of all ages and nations.
Through these rare materials and thoughtfully curated displays, visitors will explore Christa McAuliffe’s journey as a teacher, a trailblazer, and a symbol of curiosity and courage, alongside the stories of her fellow crew members and the mission that inspired a generation.
Thank you to our Sponsor!
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center- Special Event
January 28th, 2026 - 4:00 - 8:00PM
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:
4:00 PM: Deadproof Pizza Co. on-site serving dinner, space is available for visitors to eat.
4:30 PM: Doors Open
5:00 PM: Christa’s Lost Lessons with NASA Astronaut, Ricky Arnold followed by a Q&A, and the opportunity to try the lessons yourself!
A marine scientist by training and educator by profession, NASA Astronaut (ret.) Richard Arnold has spent over two hundred days in orbit including over thirty-two hours outside the space station engaged in the ultimate human adventure - spacewalking. He has flown on both the iconic Space Shuttle and Soyuz spacecraft with other professional astronauts from around the world. During his 2018 mission to the International Space Station, Ricky helped bring Christa's Lost Lessons to life, honoring the legacy of the Challenger crew by completing the classroom lessons that Christa intended to teach in space. Come share in the adventure and gain insight into his unique perspective on our home planet from vantage points ranging from below the surface of the Earth and sea to beyond the limits of our atmosphere.
6:00 PM: Unveiling of new Christa McAuliffe exhibit - Presented by George and Annette Barnett (SIAA Technologies)
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 New Hampshire PBS documentary "Christa" last year, Amber Woods, who oversees the Discovery Center's archival trove of Challenger memorabilia, and Kris Coronis Jacques, a former student of Christa's and a current teacher in Hopkinton. Join us for an evening exploring how 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.