Discovery Center of Idaho

Barbara Morgan Came Home!

Barbara Morgan arrived quietly in Boise on December 9th, and then proceeded to greet Idahoan’s non-stop for the next week starting on the morning of the 10th. Her day began with a reunion between Barbara and many of the students that she had spoken to from the International Space Station back in August. The breakfast was held at the Discovery Center to allow Barbara to meet and speak with 14 of the 18 students that participated in that downlink. She was in her element as a former elementary school teacher, and she spoke many times of the importance of getting a good education. She was honored with a “Barbara Morgan Day” proclamation from the Governor’s Office that was delivered by Rep. Margaret Henbest.

Next, Barbara spoke with nearly 2,000 students from all over the Valley at the Morrison Center. The Q&A with the students went on for nearly an hour, and the mood at the Morrison Center was pure excitement and awe. In the evening, Barbara made her final Boise appearance before a nearly full house at the Morrison Center. She received a standing ovation from the people of Treasure Valley that brought tears to her eyes.

On Tuesday, Barbara went to the KTVB studios and was interviewed for Viewpoint by Dee Sarton. Later on the 11th, Barbara went to McCall to be with family and friends. After a welcome home celebration held at McCall-Donnelly High School on the evening of the 11th, and a private reception at the Whitetail Resort on the 12th, Barbara proceeded to visit nearly every school in Valley County. Large groups of people turned out at every stop, and it seemed that the entire population of Valley County wanted to congratulate Barbara and wish her well.

The week culminated in the dedication of a new school in McCall as “Barbara Morgan Elementary School.” She was thrilled with the honor. Barbara left Idaho for Houston on a high note on December 15th.

Links To Barbara Morgan Homecoming Stories:

Idaho Statesman - Dec. 11th

Idaho Statesman - Dec. 31st

KTVB - Dec. 10th

KTVB - Dec 11th

KTVB - Dec. 14th

Updated 1:40pm February 13, 2008

DOWNLINK DAY MEDIA LINKS

We've just created a Media Links page with all the articles and interviews from the event that we know. If we missed one, email us and let us know.

Updated 4:36pm August 17, 2007

WATCH THE ENTIRE REPLAY OF THE DOWNLINK!

Click here to see a video of the entire downlink event at the Discovery Center that took place on Tuesday, August 14th. This link will take you to the KTVB web site where KTVB has posted the full downlink event. The video lasts about 25 minutes. From the perspective of the Discovery Center and of KTVB, our main Space Days sponsor, the downlink was a complete success. All of the selected students had the opportunity to ask questions of the astronauts, and the astronauts were prepared with many demonstrations that provided a great visual representation for many of the answers that were given. About 1,000 people showed up at the Discovery Center to participate in our day long activities. The media coverage was not only national, but was international, with stories of the downlink appearing in the UK and India. Stay tuned as the Discovery Center compiles a list of links to these many stories that will be posted to the Space Days page in the near future. Also stay tuned as DCI helps to prepare for Barbara Morgan's homecoming to Idaho. No firm dates have been set yet, but we hope that it will be later this calendar year!

KTVB link

Updated 11:19am August 17, 2007