The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia,' located in Hemphill, Texas, 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. The 3,400-square-foot main gallery features displays documenting Space Shuttle Columbia's 28 missions, STS-107
artifacts, scale models, a flown-in-space shuttle launch suit, and a visual account of Columbia's final mission and the recovery effort that followed. Also part of the permanent collection -- the accomplishments and personalities of the STS-107 crew members are illustrated through personal items and photos donated by their families. Two volunteers who lost their lives during the 2003 search and recovery effort are also memorialized in the displays. An adjoining theater provides auditorium-style seating for screenings of documentaries and special films. One of the museum's newest additions, a shuttle flight deck simulator constructed by former NASA engineers James Dean and Frank Hughes, allows visitors to take the controls and experience a virtual landing of the Space Shuttle. A gift shop also features a wide variety of souvenirs, from apparel and astronaut food, to books, DVDs and NASA patches, including the 'Hail & Farewell' Columbia patch, which is available exclusively at the museum. Throughout the year, 'Friends of the Museum' sponsors education activities, community gatherings, speakers, art exhibitions, a robotics competition, golf tournament, a gala fundraiser, and a scholarship competition, among other projects.
