New space exhibit at Museum of Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda recently unveiled a new exhibit at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda that celebrates the historic space visit by Keisha Schahaff and Anastasia Mayers on August 10, 2023.

The exhibit, called “Antigua and Barbuda Goes to Space,” is a collaborative effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.

Astronaut Keisha Schahaff led the unveiling alongside President of the Historical and Archeological Society – Museum of Antigua and Barbuda Dr. Reginald Murphy, Chairman of the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda Walter Berridge, Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism Director of Special Events, Promotion and Protocol Annette Aflak, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Marketing Communications Manager Maria Blackman.

The exhibit focuses on the National flag of Antigua and Barbuda, which Schahaff carried in her pocket along with two small vials of Barbuda’s pink sand during her space flight.

Photographs and video footage captured from the historic event, as well as memorabilia from the watch party, make up part of the exhibit.

The museum also features displays on cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, rowers Team Antigua Island Girls and Team Wadadli – Atlantic Rowers, demonstrating that Antigua and Barbuda is making its mark on the world stage.

Speaking about the exhibit, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Marketing Communications Manager, Maria Blackman said, the Antigua and Barbuda Goes to Space’ exhibit ensures that the tangible assets from the historic August 10th visit to space form a permanent part of the history of Antigua and Barbuda.

“We hope future generations will be inspired by our astronauts and use this moment as their personal catalyst towards achieving their dreams,” she said

The exhibit is now open to the public at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and is a significant event for the museum, demonstrating that it represents not only old artifacts but also Antigua and Barbuda culture, history, present, and past.

Dr. Reginald Murphy, President of the Historical and Archeological Society – Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, pledged to look after the artifact which the museum has acquired.

The “Antigua and Barbuda Goes to Space” exhibit was aptly unveiled on the eve of Antigua and Barbuda’s 42nd Anniversary of Independence, held under the theme ‘Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future’.

The museum’s opening hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To learn more about the museum of Antigua and Barbuda, please visit their website at www.antiguamuseums.net.