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Reach for the Stars- Challenger Memorial Event Series
Reach for the Stars- Challenger Memorial Event Series
Saturday, January 24, 2026 8:00 AM - Sunday, February 1, 2026 5:00 PM (EST)
Description
For many, it's impossible to believe that it's been 40 years since the Challenger Disaster, and some have only heard pieces of the story because they weren't born yet. Regardless of where you were on January 28th, 1986, we invite you to join us as we remember the Teacher in Space Project, honor the SLS-51L crew, and celebrate the life and legacy of New Hampshire's own, Christa McAuliffe.
To learn more and purchase tickets to any of the following events,
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 showing with general admission tickets
Reach for the Stars: Then, Now, Forever
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.
Recommended for all ages | Purchase Event Tickets
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.
Please use the above link for access to the entire event including The Concord Monitor panel.
Click here to purchase isolated tickets to the panel.
CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe™
Sponsored By: Northeast Delta Dental
History At Play™, LLC (HAP) has garnered nationwide acclaim for their Immersive Living History Experiences, chronicling the lives of legendary figures who changed society. Their performances have received accolades from journalists, actors, and historians alike and have earned statewide and national recognition. Now, the acclaimed solo performance, “CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa McAuliffe™,” will be performed at 5:00 pm, Saturday, January 31st, 2026 at the Discovery Center.
Who was America's favorite teacher? Ask anyone what they know about Christa McAuliffe and they will tell you exactly where they were when the NASA Challenger shuttle mission launched; however, few people understand who Mrs. McAuliffe really was. America's Teacher in Space was an educational pioneer and her goals and accomplishments are explored in this virtual performance experience, which debuted in 2016. History At Play™, LLC (HAP) discovers the true story behind the incredible teacher and educational pioneer.
“When we closed our eyes and listened, it was as though Christa was in the room with us.”
~ Lisa Bristol, Christa McAuliffe's Sister
Recommended for all ages | Purchase Event Tickets
Unveiling of new Christa McAuliffe Exhibit
Sponsored 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 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. This exhibit is both a remembrance and a celebration- a space to reflect, learn, and rediscover how one mission, one teacher, and one community helped shape our shared history in space and on Earth.
To learn more and purchase tickets to any of these events, visit http://www.starhop.com/discover/reachforthestars
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
2 Institute Drive
Concord, NH 03301 United States
2 Institute Drive
Concord, NH 03301 United States
Saturday, January 24, 2026 8:00 AM - Sunday, February 1, 2026 5:00 PM
(EST)
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