Christa McAuliffe Legacy, as Teacher and Astronaut, Thrives in Concord NH

CONCORD NH – It is certain flowers will arrive Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2025) at a specific grave in Blossom Hill Cemetery, just north of Concord NH. Some will be deposited as bouquets, others as only single blooms. All are accompanied by longing, sadness, and prayers. Each year, they honor the memory of one of America’s most well-known teachers, S. Christa McAuliffe.

It was 39 years ago – on Jan. 28, 1986 – when McAuliffe and six other members of the Challenger space shuttle mission tragically perished. The craft in which they rode exploded 73 seconds into its flight from Cape Canaveral FL.

McAuliffe was selected from among more than 11,000 applicants to become America’s first educator in space. She was described as an always-smiling and approachable middle school teacher of history and social studies. She also was someone deemed as “an ordinary citizen.”

Thousands of young teens nationwide, who witnessed Challenger’s televised launch and cheered flight team members on from afar, also gasped in horror at their demise. In those moments and others that followed, it is said young minds decided to follow McAuliffe and pursue teaching as their career.

Many are now in their 50s. Over the years some of those inspired by McAuliffe’s slogan, “I touch the future. I teach,” have brought their skills and talents to Pennsylvania classrooms.

Schools and other buildings have been named for McAuliffe across six states. In Concord itself, her passion for helping young minds grow is reflected in the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. It is a science museum that pays tribute to both the teacher and to Derry NH native Alan Shepard Jr. He was America’s first man in space, and one of only 12 humans who have walked on the moon.

Travels With The Post last visited the Discovery Center, 2 Institute Dr., Concord NH, in May 2024.

Busy, and Filled With Awe-Struck Students

Opened in March 2009, the Discovery Center covers 20,000 square feet, offering indoor and outdoor interactive science and engineering exhibits. Just beyond its outer doors, a full-sized replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket dramatically towers over the building. Inside there’s a fully digital planetarium, an observatory, plenty of educational programming, and a science store.

As might be expected, the place bustles from fall through spring with school children on field trips.

• They can get up close and personal with a Navy fighter jet, which stands adjacent to a clipped metal sign that jokingly cautions about “low-flying aircraft;”
• This winter, the center is hosting two “Universe Unplugged Workshops.” The first, which is sold out, aims to teach kids ages 9-14 more about the universe’s size and scale. Jupiter, which gets billing as “the biggest of our solar system’s planets,” is the topic of the second; and
• Because almost everyone loves selfies, spacesuits and astronaut helmets are available nearby for photographic social promotion.

Exploring More Than Outer Space

Space exploration understandably plays a role in the center’s focus, but it’s not a limiting one. Nor is young age a barrier.

One of the center’s intriguing programs is for “Little Learners,” held monthly for children ages 5 and younger. During its sessions, a center educator reads a science-themed book aloud, then engages listeners in an activity to help them understand what they heard.

The center also conducts a twice-monthly program for homeschooling families. Its spring semester, about Earth science topics, begins in early February.

Weather and climate merit prominent exhibits as well. One lets visitors play with what might be called a tornado in a tube. Another describes how scientists in 1934 measured world-record wind speeds of more than 230 miles an hour on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington. It encourages participants to think about how they would manage living in a shack atop the mountain under such adverse conditions.

Another exhibit involves a simulated undersea environment. It explores how amphibious life might act or react as natural or man-made conditions created changes there.

Things to Know If You Go

This “Post Road Trip” was part of a longer excursion to several New Hampshire destinations. The most direct route from Pottstown to Concord requires about 6-1/2 hours of travel, which is why the Discovery Center visit was combined with trips to other locations. Driving allowed The Post to take in more sights along the road, and to stop when necessary or desired.

The center’s entrance is sufficiently marked by directional signage. It’s a short drive northeast of the city, and is adjacent to the campus of Concord’s community college, NHTI.

Regular operating hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets offer access to the center’s exhibit galleries and its adjacent science playground. They cost $13 for adults, $12 for seniors age 62 and older, $12 for students age 13 through college, $10 for children ages 3-12, and children 2 and younger are admitted free.

All tickets can be purchased in advance online, and also are available at the door. Planetarium shows (five are presented daily) are ticketed separately at an additional cost of $7 each.

Indoor and outdoor dining areas are available for those who bring their lunches or early dinners. Several restaurants also are located nearby. The center is nursing-friendly, and provides changing tables in all first-floor restrooms.

About the Post Road Trips

When Travels With The Post hits the road, readers figuratively come along. Its occasional “road trip” articles are intended to describe and show what’s available at a location of interest, and why it might be worth considering a visit. Find other Post road trips here.

Christa McAuliffe and Challenger shuttle photos provided by NASA
All other photos by Travels With The Post