The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia,’ located in Hemphill, Texas, serves as a memorial to the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy and as an educational facility dedicated to creating science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults.
14 years
The ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum opened to the public on February 1, 2011.
25K visitors
The ‘Remembering Columbia’ is proud to be the #1 private tourist destination in Sabine County, Texas.
92 countries
Our mission to preserve the legacy of Space Shuttle Columbia draws visitors from around the world.
Board of Directors
Our museum is guided by a volunteer board comprised of community members and stakeholders committed to honoring the legacy of STS-107.
News Updates
Keep in touch with official updates from the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum.
Jobs
You won’t find “out-of-this world” employment opportunities like this anywhere else in East Texas!
Contact Us
We’re eager to answer your questions about planning an upcoming visit, special tours, and media requests.
Reporting Debris
Shuttle debris found in East Texas should still be reported to NASA.
About Our Benefactor
Albert Barnett Smith was born in 1926 in Sugarland, Texas.
The U.S. Navy veteran and real estate developer envisioned the impact a museum and learning center could have in the lives of rural students. He generously funded the purchase of the land and construction of the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum as a tribute to his late wife, Patricia, whose family had roots in Sabine County.
“Al” Smith passed away in 2018.
About Our Namesake
The ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum opened its doors on February 1, 2011. It is named in honor of Sabine County native and educator Patricia Huffman Smith, who died of cancer in 2010.
Al and Pat Smith, along with the TLL Temple Foundation, provided the initial gift to build the J.R. Huffman Public Library in 1994. It is adjacent to the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum.
Visit us
375 Sabine Street, Unit B
Hemphill, Texas 75948
Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' 