Moment of Silence Planned for McAuliffe Library To Remember Christa

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Today, January 28, at 11:39 a.m., the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library will hold a moment of silence in memory of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster.

Thirty years ago, after 73 seconds of flight, the Challenger broke apart and disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean, carrying with it seven astronauts including Framingham native, Christa Corrigan McAuliffe.

McAuliffe, a high school teacher, was chosen over more than 11,000 other applicants to win a NASA sponsored contest to become the first teacher in space. In fact, McAuliffe would have been the first American civilian in space. Assigned the role of payload specialist, she would have conducted science experiments and shared her lessons with
earthbound students.

After the disaster, this small library was rededicated in McAuliffe’s memory.

In a few short weeks, the doors to this building in Saxonville will close forever, making the moment of silence the last for this location.

The new McAuliffe Library branch in Nobscot on Water Street will open in February.