HEMPHILL, TX – The Sabine County Columbia Memorial Committee and the J.R. Huffman Public Library will be hosting the 8th Memorial for the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 and the Grand Opening of the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ on February 1, 2011.
The ceremony will begin at 7:45 a.m at the First Baptist Church in Hemphill, TX., followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m at the museum. Shortly following the ribbon cutting ceremony, lunch will be served at the First Baptist Church.
The museum is being made possible through the generosity of Mr. Albert “Al” Smith, in remembrance of his deceased wife, Patricia Huffman Smith and many other generous donations.
This museum will tell the story of space exploration from the first mission of the Columbia to its last mission, STS-107. It will also reveal the efforts of local citizens during the recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-107 and its Crew. An area will be dedicated to each crew member lost in the tragedy, including the Texas Forest Service employee and the helicopter pilot who lost their lives during the recovery effort. The families of the crew will contribute personal items belonging to their loved ones to be on permanent display. This museum will house many items and artifacts from NASA and its contractors, the families of STS-107, as well as from other individuals.
The museum will have two simulator interactive devices that emulate activities of the shuttle and orbiter. The classroom for the digital learning center will provide an excellent opportunity for the advancement of education for people of all ages.
If you wish to contribute to the museum fund, donations can be sent to the PATRICIA HUFFMAN SMITH NASA MUSEUM, c/o J.R. Huffman Public Library, 375 Sabine Street, Hemphill, Texas 75948. Please designate your donation be applied to the museum fund.
The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ serves as a memorial to the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and as an educational facility dedicated to creating science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults. Learn more at www.NASAColumbiaMuseum.com.
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Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' 