He lived out Kansas’ Motto “To the Stars.” Astronaut and Salina Native Steve Hawley, will speak about his space travels on February 17th, at 7 pm at Pioneers Presidents Place, the Old Roosevelt-Lincoln Auditorium, 245 S. Eighth Street.

Tickets are on sale now at the Smoky Hill Museum. Fun for the entire family. Advance tickets for this big event are $7.00 for adults ($10.00 at the door), $5.00 for students age 13 through college ($7.00 at the door) and Children 12 and under are only $3 ($5.00 at the door). Tickets for Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum members also include a special “Friends Only” 5:30 pm reception at the Museum to meet Hawley. Autographed photos are $7.00 and will be signed following presentation.

Special remarks will be made preceding Hawley’s presentation by fellow Central high school alums Larry Smith and Tom Martin, as well as his brother Jim Hawley, who recently returned to Salina as minister of the First Presbyterian Church. In case of bad weather, the presentation may be moved to February 24.

Steve Hawley served as a mission specialist on five shuttle flights including the maiden flight of the space shuttle Discover. He has helped launch satellites, conducted experiments and was instrumental in the deployment and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope. Hawley logged a total of 770 hours and 27 minutes in space.

Hawley also holds the record from most trips to the launch pad. After numerous flight delays, he cited the delays as his fault because the shuttle recognized him. In an effort to deceive the shuttle, he wore Groucho Marx glasses (on display at the Museum) to the White Room. The flight successfully took off!

Purchased tickets in advance at the Museum Store. For more information, call 309-5776 or visit www.smokyhillmuseum.org.
Proceeds from Friends fundraisers and the Museum Store support the services, programs and events of the Smoky Hill Museum.

Posted by Susan Hawksworth