The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is hosting a special event series as a week-long tribute honoring the life, courage, and legacy of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, and the Challenger crew members who lost their lives 40 years ago, on Jan. 28, 1986.

From Saturday, Jan. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 1, the Discovery Center invites you to participate in these events and reflect on the legacy of the Challenger.

These commemorative events and exhibits are made possible through the support of sponsors and community partners.

Tickets can be found at starhop.com/discover/reachforthestars.

Film

NHPBS documentary “Christa” showing in the planetarium theater – 3 p.m. during public hours from January 24 – February 1.

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 in 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 achievers.

Recommended for all ages. Free with general admission tickets.

Exhibit

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.

Wednesday, January 28

On the day of 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, and a panel hosted by the Concord Monitor.

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. 

On Wednesday, January 28, the Discovery Center will be open during regular hours from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and then in the evening for the special event.

Deadproof Pizza will be serving food on-site from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

4:30 p.m.: Doors open

5 p.m.: Christa’s Lost Lessons with NASA Astronaut Ricky Arnold

A marine scientist by training and educator by profession, retired NASA Astronaut Richard “Ricky” 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 the 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.

This presentation will be followed by a Q&A and the opportunity to try the lessons yourself!

6 p.m.: Unveiling of new Christa McAuliffe exhibit – Presented by George and Annette Barnett (SIAA Technologies)

6:30 p.m.: Legacy of Challenger Discussion Panel hosted by the 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 NHPBS 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.

Saturday, January 31

“CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe“

Sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental; 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 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.

5 p.m.: Doors open

5:30 p.m.: Performance begins at NHTI’s Sweeney Hall (Park at NHTI, enter through Sweeney Hall main doors)

7 p.m.: Q&A

8 p.m.: Doors close