How has the New Hampshire Christa McAuliffe knew changed since her death?
"Certainly, technology has changed the way we live and work. Computers were pretty crude back in the mid-1980’s, so there was no 'internet' as we know it today. I would say that life was a bit less 'frantic' back then." - Mal Cameron, education specialist at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
"What has surprised me most as a resident of a nearby town to Framingham, MA (Christa’s hometown in Massachusetts) and classmate of Christa at Framingham State College, is the differences of perspective between Framingham, MA which celebrates Christa’s life at any opportunity and Concord, NH which seems to shy away from Christa. I respect both perspectives." - Mary Liscombe, associate director of the Christa McAuliffe Center and Challenger Learning Center at Framingham State College, and a college friend of Christa McAuliffe
What in Christa's fields of education and space travel changed the most, especially in New Hampshire, over the past 25 years?
"Alan Shepard led the way for New Hampshire, and the nation, to become involved in the space race. He rode aboard a Redstone Rocket on May 5, 1961 when Christa was a young, and most likely, impressionable teenager. She even wrote about Shepard in her proposal to become the first Teacher In Space. This New Hampshire connection to Alan Shepard will be carried on this October when the Planetarium begins construction of the Alan B, Shepard Discovery Center... I also feel that Christa’s success as a teacher came from her parents, especially her mother Grace Corrigan, who has not let New Hampshire or the nation loose light of her daughter’s mission." - Bob Veilleiux, Teacher in Space finalist and educator at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
"I think she would be pleased that so many more women are involved in the space program and that NASA provides biographies of its scientists and astronauts. Christa liked to know who was behind the scenes making things happen. I think she would be proud of Barbara Morgan for continuing the mission they started together 22 years ago." - Mary Liscombe
"New Hampshire has also produced a few more astronauts who have since flown on shuttle missions – notably, Jay Buckey, MD (Dartmouth Medical School instructor and doctor), who flew on STS-90 in 1998, along with Rick Searfoss (graduate of Portsmouth High School), and Richard Linnehan (graduate of Pelham High School and UNH). Also Lee Morin (graduate of Manchester Central High School), who did two spacewalks on STS-110 in 2002. Many N H companies have also contributed to the space program – for example, Warwick Mills, in New Ipswich, NH made the air bag material for the Mars Rovers and makes the parachute material for the shuttles when they land." - Mal Cameron
What Granite Stater(s) would you say inspired her and her success?
"Christa would probably say it was her family, her colleagues, her students, and her friends. She had a way of gathering people around her and inspiring them while being inspired by them." - Mary Liscombe
"Alan Shepard led the way for New Hampshire, and the nation, to become involved in the space race. He was one of the original seven astronauts and the first to go in space. He rode aboard a Redstone Rocket on May 5, 1961 when Christa was a young, and most likely, impressionable teenager. She even wrote about Shepard in her proposal to become the first Teacher In Space. This New Hampshire connection to Alan Shepard will be carried on this October when the Planetarium begins construction of the Alan B, Shepard Discovery Center... I also feel that Christa’s success as a teacher came from her parents, especially her mother Grace Corrigan, who has not let New Hampshire or the nation loose light of her daughter’s mission." -
Bob Veilleux
What spots in New Hampshire epitomize the spirit of Christa McAuliffe?
"I know that Christa loved camping as a young girl in the Girl Scouts. The outdoors held a special appeal for her. I know she also cherished Concord because of the small town feel of the capital city. Christa was outgoing and friendly and meeting and getting to know people was always important to her." - Mary Liscombe
"I believe that classrooms are some of the best spots in New Hampshire to exemplify Christa’s spirit to “Reach for the Stars.” In many of these classrooms are dedicated teacher who are “spirit builders,” guiding students to find and follow their own dreams." - Bob Veilleiux
"The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium is the State of New Hampshire’s official memorial to Christa, attracting more than 60,000 visitors each year since it opened in June of 1991. Our mission: 'To educate, incite and entertain learners of all ages in the sciences and humanities by actively engaging them in the exploration of astronomy and space science.' That means we try to carry on Christa’s legacy and example every day." - Mal Cameron
"Her gravesite looking out over the fields and forests of the Merrimack River valley and including her home city – Concord, NH - home to her family and her extended family – her students at Concord High. One can also see the pinnacle of the pyramid of the Planetarium named in her honor from her gravesite. On any given day, you can journey there and find flowers, messages, and the ever-present apple. Fitting tribute to the teacher of us all." - Phil Browne, Teacher in Space finalist who was inspired by McAuliffe's example to found ForestWatch
If Christa were alive today, what do you think she would like to see accomplished in New Hampshire over the next 25 years?
"It is we teachers who now have the challenge of being Christa’s eyes and ears in observing both the dramatic changes occurring in the natural world, and the world of human society. It is we teachers who must then raise our individual and collective voices about the dangers to our 'spaceship Earth,' and the 'suffering of our fellow man.' For as she is often quoted – 'We touch the future – We Teach!'" - Phil Browne
"I think Christa would be encouraging more students to take educational risks and “Go for” their dreams. She would tell them that it takes hard work, but the effort is worth it in the end." - Mary Liscombe
"Christa would also hope that space flight would become more commonplace and of course much safer, so that more 'ordinary people' can experience the awe of looking down on the Earth from space, instead of the other way around. I suspect that, given the opportunity, Christa might even opt for a trip to the moon – but be able to take the family along, too!" - Mal Cameron
