Reach for the Stars at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
The search for the world’s first teacher in space began in 1984 when President Ronald Regan announced NASA’s Teacher in Space Project. The program was designed to inspire students, honor teachers, and generate interest in science, particularly in space exploration. The project was intended to bring the selected teachers into space as Payload Specialists (non-astronaut civilians) so that the teachers could return to the classrooms and share their experiences. Out of 11,500 nationwide applicants, Concord’s own Christa McAuliffe was selected.
Following the 1989 Challenger disaster, the NH legislature decided that a field trip destination would be the best way to honor the “field trip teacher” thus Christa McAuliffe Planetarium was born. Today, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (the name change came with an exciting expansion in 2009) offers 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits to visitors to explore astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space sciences, an outdoor playground, a full-sized replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket, a full-dome digital planetarium theater (one of only four in North America with a 10k projection system!), an observatory for sky viewing, science store, and a full complement of on- and off-site educational programs.
Christa is honored throughout the world, but especially here in Concord, you’ll find Christa McAuliffe School, Christa McAuliffe Auditorium at Concord High School, and as of September 2nd, 2024, the Christa McAuliffe Memorial Statue at the NH State House. The Discovery Center continues to honor Christa McAuliffe by sharing her life and legacy through her love of learning and passion to inspire her students to “reach for the stars”.
View of the planetarium within the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Plan a Visit
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
2 Institute Drive, Concord
The museum’s fall hours are Wednesday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit starhop.com to learn more and plan your visit to the Discovery Center today!
Aerospace Fest
September 21, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event is FREE to the public and geared towards scientists, stargazers, explorers, and learners of all ages!
This year, AerospaceFest will extend to inside the Discovery Center (weather permitting), meaning visitors can enjoy the Discovery Center exhibit halls, observatory as well as all the wonderful guest exhibitors, science-based activities, and a full line-up of fun on the main stage including Up, Up, and Away by Mad Science of Maine, and the Comet Show by our Outreach Specialist!
Aerial view of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
This guest blog was written by Kelly Thompson from the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.
Visit Concord NH is an initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. This website and accompanying social media profiles showcase the best of NH’s Capital Region to travelers, new residents and long-time fans of Concord. Learn more about the Chamber at concordnhchamber.com.
