New Hampshire’s history is full of interesting people and places. You can see living history in the form of forests and parks that dot the landscape. But, today we’re remembering a New Hampshire woman who we lost far too young. She was laid to rest here in the Granite State and we’d like to take a moment to remember her.

On January 28th, 1986, the NASA Shuttle Challenger set out for its tenth flight to space.
By NASA - http://www.nbcnews.com/slideshow/technologyandscience/the-challenger-tragedy-in-pictures-41180120, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59211933
Aboard the shuttle were seven crew members, which consisted of 5 astronauts and 2 payload specialists. These crew members were people who had specific skills and who were specially trained to take part in the mission.
By NASA - NASA Human Space Flight Gallery (image link), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181762
One of these payload specialists was Christa McAuliffe, a social studies teacher from Concord High School in New Hampshire.
nasa2explore / Flickr
McAuliffe was selected to be the first teacher in space out of more than 11,500 applicants.
nasa2explore / Flickr
She trained alongside the astronauts and her school in New Hampshire was excitedly watching the launch. It is estimated that 17% of Americans were watching the televised shuttle launch mainly due to McAuliffe's participation.

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But, the morning of the launch was unusually cold.
By NASA - Great Images in NASA Description, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6450165
As a result of the cold, important seals allowed pressurized burning gas to enter into other areas of the structure. 73 seconds after takeoff, the Shuttle Challenger broke apart mid-flight killing everyone on board.
dullhunk / Flickr
Today, there's a memorial to the Challenger in Arlington National Cemetery, which is where some of those on board have been laid to rest.
By Jtesla16 - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6930389
However, Christa McAuliffe was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery on N. Main Street in Concord, New Hampshire.
Concord Civil Air Patrol / Flickr
Her inscription reads:

Wife mother teacher
PIONEER WOMAN
Crew member, space shuttle Challenger America's first ordinary citizen to venture toward space

Christa McAuliffe was truly a pioneer. And she understood the importance of education. She had a vision and worked hard to make that vision a reality through her teaching, her message and her efforts to become the first teacher in space. You can visit her grave at Calvary Cemetery. When you do, take a moment to consider her bravery.

For more New Hampshire history, check out these 12 photos that show what life was like a very long time ago!

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