Last updated: 5/28/2011
Hemphill, Texas
Address
385 Sabine StreetHemphill, TX 75948

Hours

Monday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday
1 PM - 5 PM
The museum is closed in observance of the major holidays. Please call before you travel.

Admissions

Cost to tour the museum is $5 for adults, $3 for children.

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Kay Simpson
phone: 409-787-4827
Ed Stiles
phone:
Description

e museum will feature two simulator interactive devices that emulate activities of the shuttle and orbiter. A planned classroom/digital learning center will provide an excellent opportunity for the advancement of education for people of all ages.

The museum's gift shop offers NASA gear and memorabilia for sale.

We are a new museum, recently opened on February 1, 2011. The museum honors the memory of the astronauts aboard NASA Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107, which was lost while reentering Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003.

It tells the story of space exploration from the first mission of the Columbia to its last mission, STS-107. It also reveals the efforts of local citizens during the recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-107 and its Crew. An area is dedicated to each crewmember that was 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 have contributed personal items belonging to their loved ones to be on permanent display. The museum houses many items and artifacts from NASA and its contractors, the families of STS-107, as well as from other individuals.

History

The museum is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Albert “Al” Smith, in remembrance of his deceased wife, Patricia Huffman Smith and many other generous donations.

Artifact Collections

NASA space shuttle models, authentic parts and equipment; NASA astronaut space suit; personal effects of each of the seven NASA astronauts lost during the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 mission

Educational Programs

Docent program for the general public; school and adult group tours; occasional lectures conducted by NASA personnel from Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX

Governance

J.R. Huffman Public Library, Inc.; % The Patricia Huffman Smith Museum "Remembering Columbia"

Services
Gift Shop
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Ohio Museums Association 2024 Conference with AMM

July 24 - August 3, 2024

Columbus, Ohio

South Carolina Federation of Museums 2024 Conference

September 16 - 18, 2024

Laurens, South Carolina

Florida Association of Museums 2024 Annual Conference & Exposition

October 13 - 16, 2024

Daytona Beach, Florida

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

04/22 The Muir Experience Museum

Stockton, California

04/16 Laurens County Museum

Laurens, South Carolina

03/07 Liberty Science Center

Jersey City, New Jersey

Museum Vendors

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida

Museum Associations

03/07 Florida Association of Museums

Tallahassee, Florida

03/07 Association of Midwest Museums

Saint Louis, Missouri

03/07 Association of Children's Museums

Arlington, Virginia

03/07 Ohio Museums Association

Columbus, Ohio