Honoring Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger Seven - 20th Anniversary
"A compelling and honest account of Challenger’s “Teacher in Space” mission...
an inspiring tribute to a true American Hero." - Buzz Aldrin
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the loss of the Challenger, the Women at Work Museum previewed the film Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars. Narrated by Susan Sarandon with original songs by Carly Simon, the film was voted “Best Documentary” during the annual High Falls Film Festival in Rochester, NY.
As one of the Challenger Seven, Christa McAuliffe’s poignant statement about her mission in life, “I touch the future. I teach,” and her participation in the space program initiated a new era of respect for women, teachers, and education.
Together we can share the legendary accomplishments of Christa and find out why Ken Burns in his comments about the film says, "This is a riveting and unusually moving story..."
The closing honored the women and men in the space program - Apollo I, January 27, 1967, the Challenger, January 28, 1986, and on the Columbia, May 24, 2002.
Program Speakers:
Major Tanya Markow, Instructor and Course Director, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Major Markow is traveling from New York just for this event. With her she brings stories of learning to fly, pushing the envelope, and the 1st Columbia launch and how it inspired her at the age of seven to pursue a career in aviation.
Larry Kessler, news editor for The Sun Chronicle, will be speaking about his experiences as a reporter at the time of the Challenger event. He will share his thoughts on how it was a definable moment for the nation and the world. Focus - importance of space exploration – honor efforts of space pioneers, especially those women and men who gave their lives to explore space on Apollo I, January 27, 1967, the Challenger, January 28, 1986, and on the Columbia, May 24, 2002
Nancy Young, President of the Attleboro Jewelry Makers will describe the link Attleboro has to the space program as well as her personal connection to Astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison.