A new exhibit celebrates the historic visit to space by Antigua and Barbuda’s Keisha Schahaff and Anastasia Mayers

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Her daughter was transitioning from high school to college, and she asked the universe, “What is next for me? Can you show me what to do with myself now that my daughter is leaving home?” This mom came across a special opportunity: a trip to space on Virgin Galactic’s “Galactic 02” private astronaut flight, organized by the non-profit Space for Humanity.

Keisha Schahaff knew it was a sign that her life was about to change.

On August 10^th, 2023, “Galactic 02” took off from Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, with Keisha’s mom observing from her home country of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean, alongside Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson.

Anastasia  (Keisha’s daughter) is now the youngest person to visit space, and together, they are the first Caribbean residents and the 6^th and 7^th Black women to enter space, according to Virgin Galactic. The women were accompanied by ticket winner Jon Goodwin, 80, a British Olympic canoeist.

To honour this historic and unforgettable event, Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled a new exhibit at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, that celebrates the historic visit to space by Antigua and Barbuda’s Keisha Schahaff and Anastasia Mayers.

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

The unveiling was performed by: Astronaut Keisha Schahaff 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 guest of honour, Keisha Schahaff expressed her gratitude at being present for the reveal attended by her family, well-wishers, visitors to the museum and government officials. “I am deeply moved by the pride and humility that this moment instills in me. On August 10^th, 2023, my heart swelled with pride as my daughter, and I etched our names into the pages of history. Together, we embarked on an extraordinary journey, not only for our beloved nation and the Caribbean but for the entire human spirit.

Together, we proudly carried our national flag into space, marking a historic moment for Antigua and Barbuda as we ventured beyond our world. Our flag, symbolizing our unity, resilience, and unwavering spirit, soared above the Earth, proclaiming to the universe that our nation had arrived among the stars.

What makes this achievement even more profound is that our flag, having ventured into space, will find its place in the museum of Antigua and Barbuda, a symbol of our resilience and the realization of our dreams. Our story will forever resonate with the boundless dreams of every dreamer and the beating hearts of every adventurer.”

Dr. Reginald Murphy, President of the Historical and Archeological Society – Museum of Antigua and Barbuda said, “This is a very significant event for us at the Museum. It demonstrates that we are not only about old artifacts. We are about Antigua and Barbuda culture, Antigua and Barbuda history, present and past. We pledge to look after this very valuable artifact which we have acquired.” 

Sharing her thoughts about the exhibit, the 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. That day was such an incredibly powerful moment for those of us watching in Antigua, Barbuda, as well as around the world. We hope future generations who view the exhibit housed at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, will be inspired by our astronauts, and will use this moment as their personal catalyst towards achieving their dreams.”

The primary focus of the exhibit is the National flag of Antigua and Barbuda, which Keisha folded tightly and carried in the pocket of her space suit, along with two small vials of Barbuda’s pink sand. Photographs captured from the day’s historic events within the USA and at the watch party in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as video footage from the space flight also form part of the exhibit.

As of November 2^nd, 2023, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda’s opening hours will be Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. To learn more about the museum of Antigua and Barbuda go to: www.antiguamuseums.net.