Sally Ride: Curating Her Life

TL;DR

Sally Ride, America's first woman astronaut, lived a fulfilling life as a scientist, educator, and advocate for STEM education.

Transcript

HELLO. I'M DR.VALERIE NEIL, A HISTORIAN HERE AND CHAIR AT THE SPACE HISTORY DEPARTMENT. WE ARE IN THE MOVING BEYOND EARTH GALLERY AT THE SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM. FOR A PROGRAM SPONSORED BY BOEING COMPANY. WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR ONLINE AUDIENCE TODAY. OUR AUDIENCE ON NASA TELEVISION AND GIVE A SPECIAL WELCOME TO STUDENTS WH... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥰 Sally Ride's love for science and physics, as well as her curiosity about the universe, influenced her decision to become an astronaut.
• 💦 Sally Ride's ability to work hard, master skills, and excel in her field made her a valuable asset to NASA.
• 🧔‍♀️ Sally Ride's personal possessions and papers tell the story of a woman who believed in the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Sally Ride become an astronaut?

Sally Ride saw an advertisement for NASA recruiting women astronauts when she was finishing her education and realized she could apply because she was a scientist interested in space.

Q: What impact did Sally Ride have as an astronaut?

Sally Ride became a national hero and a role model for young women and girls, inspiring them to believe that they could achieve any goal they set their minds to.

Q: How did Sally Ride curate her life after leaving NASA?

After leaving NASA, Sally Ride went back to the world of education, teaching physics at the university level and founding Sally Ride Science, a science education company that aimed to make a difference in STEM education.

Q: What inspired Tam O'Shaughnessy to curate Sally Ride's life?

After Sally Ride's death, Tam O'Shaughnessy, her partner and best friend, wanted to preserve her legacy and ensure that her life and achievements were remembered for future generations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sally Ride was the first American woman astronaut, selected in 1978, and she flew on the seventh space shuttle mission in 1983.

• She became an iconic figure and a role model for many young women, showing that with hard work, they could achieve their dreams.

• Sally Ride's personal possessions and papers were recently donated to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.