Antigua and Barbuda’s Keisha Schahaff and Anastasia Mayers made history in August when they became the first Caribbean women to travel to space, making the journey on Virgin Galactic.
Now, the mother-daughter duo’s journey is being commemorated in a new exhibit at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
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.
“I am deeply moved by the pride and humility that this moment instills in me. On August 10th, 2023, my heart swelled with pride as my daughter, and I etched our names into the pages of history,” Schahaff said. “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,” she said.
The exhibit focuses on the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, which Schahaff folded tightly and carried in the pocket of her space suit, joined by two small vials of pink sand from Barbuda.
It also features photographs captured on the day, including during watch parties in the United States and Antigua and Barbuda.
“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,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Marketing Communications Manager, Maria Blackman. “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.”