Reach for the Stars: Celebrating Christa McAuliffe
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 Sponsors!
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center-Special Event Series
January 24th - February 1st, 2026
Where were you on 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.
These commemorative events and exhibit are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. We are grateful for their commitment to education, historical preservation, and public remembrance.
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, 5:00-7:30pm
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 explore the topics with NH Science Teacher’s Association!
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.
CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe
Sponsored by: Northeast Delta Dental
January 31st, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm
Presented by: History At Play, LLC
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