Statue of Christa McAuliffe Unveiled in Concord

Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher selected for the Teacher in Space Project, will be memorialized with a statue at New Hampshire's Statehouse, making her the first woman to receive such an honor on the grounds. The 8-foot bronze statue, designed by sculptor Benjamin Victor, is set to be unveiled on what would have been her 76th birthday. McAuliffe tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, a loss that resonated deeply with the nation as schoolchildren watched the event live. Governor Chris Sununu expressed that the statue will inspire future generations, reinforcing McAuliffe's legacy of educational innovation and exploration. The unveiling ceremony is open to the public, with hopes that it will serve as a beacon of hope for students visiting the Statehouse. McAuliffe's impact continues to be honored through various institutions named in her memory, reflecting her enduring influence on education and space exploration.