Christa McAuliffe was a teacher and astronaut from Framingham, Massachusetts, whose legacy continues to inspire educators and space enthusiasts worldwide. Born Sharon Christa Corrigan on September 2, 1948, she grew up in Framingham, was a Girl Scout, and graduated from Marian High School in 1966.
She went on to earn a degree in history from Framingham State College (now Framingham State University) in 1970, later obtaining a master’s degree in education from Bowie State University.
McAuliffe's passion for teaching led her to a career as a social studies teacher in New Hampshire, where she was known for her innovative lessons and dedication to her students. In 1984, she was selected from over 11,000 applicants for NASA’s Teacher in Space program, aiming to bring space exploration into classrooms across the country.
On January 28, 1986, McAuliffe and six crew members tragically lost their lives when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after launch. She had planned to teach lessons from space, making history as the first civilian astronaut.
Framingham continues to honor McAuliffe’s legacy through the Christa McAuliffe Charter School, the Christa McAuliffe Library, and the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University, which promotes STEM education and space exploration. Her life exemplifies courage, curiosity, and an enduring commitment to education, ensuring that her impact is felt by generations of students and teachers.