Christa McAuliffe Center

Did you know Sally Ride was the first American woman in space? This Friday, the McAuliffe Center is celebrating the 43rd anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic STS-7 mission with a free planetarium program - we can't wait for the fun!

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Cool off this summer in the planetarium! 🌞 Tickets are now available for the Summer Planetarium Series. Throughout July and August experience a wind range of planetarium live shows, NEW fulldome films, and special features. There’s something for everyone - shows for all age ranges available.

Check out the upcoming events at:

Summer Planetarium Series — Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center Cool off this summer in the planetarium! Experience a wide range of live planetarium shows and breathtaking fulldome films. Weekly planetarium offerings will be available throughout July and August. Purchase Tickets / More Information

Over the weekend, McAuliffe Center staff exhibited at NextGen STEMFest at the Charles River Museum of Innovation and Industry, Waltham MA. Our table explored different methods of clean energy generation by harnessing wind energy to power a mini electric car, using the sun to power light bulbs and fans, and generating electromagnetic energy using our own mechanical power.

What a wonderful event to be apart of - a day full of fun and curiosity!

We ready to go for the grand event tomorrow. Come learn about ALL things STEM from 10am to 4pm inside Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation. Everything from biomimicry to using your brain waves to control electronics to robotic animals to engineering design to a whole lot more!

See all the fantastic groups here:
https://nextgenstemfest.org/about-nextgen-stemfest/2026-exhibitors/

Join us for Sally's Night Celebration on Friday, June 12 from 6-7PM for a special FREE planetarium program to honor the 43rd anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic STS-7 mission and becoming the first American woman in space! We are joining the initiative started by the National Air and Space Museum to celebrate and !

This planetarium program will feature the live planetarium show Exploring Earth’s Moon followed by the planetarium film Destination Mars.

Exploring Earth’s Moon:
Take a deep dive to look at the Moon, learn about the Apollo and Artemis missions, and see the recent Artemis II photographs with immense clarity on our dome, while discussing the science of what they did on their mission.

Destination Mars:
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly to Mars? NASA – and others – have their sights set on the Red Planet and they’re building the technology to get us there! Destination Mars: The New Frontier gives you an up-close look at humanity’s most epic endeavor. Explore the work being done around the globe to help make the dream of getting humans to Mars a reality. Fly through the International Space Station, where astronauts are already living and working in space, and follow the rockets and vehicles that will take humans beyond the Moon and, one day, all the way to Mars! Travel along as we imagine this remarkable journey.

Tickets are free, registration is required. All ages are welcome. Get tickets and learn more at: https://cm-center.org/event/sallysnight2026

Tonight! Join us in the planetarium from 5-6PM for "Exploring Earth's Moon" live planetarium show followed by planetarium film "Big Astronomy" or from 6:30-7:30PM for planetarium show "Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon".

Tickets required. Learn more about each show at cm-center.org/events

This Friday at 6:30pm experience the immersive planetarium show "Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon". Tickets required and recommended for ages 13+. Show runtime is 42 minutes.

Get tickets and learn more at cm-center.org/may22film2

We can't wait to see you!

Framingham Public Library will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library on Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at the branch located at 746 Water Street.

The public is invited to attend this milestone celebration honoring a decade of expanded service, learning, and community connection.

The Christa McAuliffe Branch Library has a long and meaningful history in Framingham. Originally opened as the Saxonville Branch Library in March 1963 at 10 Nicholas Road, the branch was renamed in 1987 in honor of teacher and astronaut Christa Corrigan McAuliffe. McAuliffe grew up in Framingham and graduated from the former Marian High School. She became a national symbol of educational inspiration, and the branch continues to reflect her legacy of teaching, curiosity, and exploration.

In early 2016, the branch relocated to its current home at 746 Water Street, where it opened a newly constructed facility that tripled its size. The expanded building provided significantly more space for programs, study rooms, public computers, a large Children’s Room, and a dedicated Young Adult area. Today, the McAuliffe Branch is one of the busiest branch libraries in Massachusetts.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky emphasized the city’s commitment to accessible public spaces and the importance of the branch’s expansion.

“The Christa McAuliffe Branch is a point of pride for Framingham,” said Mayor Sisitsky. “Its growth over the past decade shows the importance of investing in spaces that support education, literacy, and community life. This library carries forward Christa McAuliffe’s legacy in a way that continues to inspire new generations.”

Library Director Dawn Dellasanta said the anniversary highlights both the branch’s growth and its role in the community.

“This branch reflects the best of what public libraries can be welcoming, responsive, and deeply rooted in community need,” said Dellasanta. “Over the past 10 years on Water Street, we’ve seen extraordinary growth in programs, services, and daily use. It is a space where people of all ages come to learn, connect, and belong.”

“A decade ago, the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library opened its doors and became a place where children discover the joy of reading, residents of all ages explore new ideas, and neighbors come together as a community. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of discovery, connection, and opportunity for the residents of Framingham,” said Board of Library Trustees Chair Heather Klish

“As chair of the Library Trustees, I had the honor of dedicating the original library building on Nicholas Road, and it is especially meaningful to now serve as Framingham City Council Chair as we celebrate 10 years in our new Christa McAuliffe Library branch on Water Street,” said At-Large City Councilor George King. “The library has become a vibrant community gathering place that reflects our City’s commitment to learning, connection, and opportunity for residents of all ages.”

The anniversary program will include remarks from Library Director Dawn Dellasanta followed by a lineup of speakers representing key partners and supporters of the branch’s history and development, including:
• City Council Chair George King
• State Rep. Danielle Gregoire
• Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners representative
• Framingham Public Library Foundation President Ruth Winett
• Dr. Irene Porro, Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University

The program will recognize the branch’s history, relocation, and continued impact on the community. Closing remarks will be offered by library leadership.

The Christa McAuliffe Branch Library remains a vital community resource and continues to provide high-demand services, programs, and welcoming public space for residents of all ages.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Stay Informed: Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for updates including”
• City website at www.framinghamMA.gov
• City social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc
• The City’s Sunday newsletter - Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3
• NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts - Sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx

For ADA Compliance: nighttime photo of the Christa McAuliffe library branch on Water Street with the words Come celebrate 10th anniversary of Christa McAuliffe Library on a blue background with a white square frame.