Media Alert
September 25, 2023
Taylor Fuqua, Manager of PR & Marketing; tfuqua@VirginiaHistory.org; 804.342.9661
Richmond, VA – Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) and co-host, the University of Richmond (UR), for an unforgettable two-day event with Virginia astronauts Leland D. Melvin and Dr. Robert L. Satcher, who will discuss the past, present, and future contributions of Black astronauts to human space flight.
As the first African Americans to fly to space together on the same mission, Melvin and Satcher will bring their unique perspectives to discuss this often-overlooked history during an evening conversation on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. The two astronauts will also recount their journey to space during a school program for local students on Thursday, October 26, at the museum.
Leland D. Melvin is a Lynchburg native, a graduate and Trustee Emeritus of the University of Richmond, a graduate of the University of Virginia, an aerospace engineer, a mission specialist on NASA’s STS-122 and STS-129 missions, and the only person in history to catch a pass in the National Football League and in space. In March 2023, Melvin was announced as the signature ambassador for the Apollo: When We Went to the Moon exhibition at the VMHC, which will continue to be on display now through December 31, 2023.
Dr. Robert L. Satcher was born in Hampton, Virginia, and is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School. Satcher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He was a mission specialist on NASA’s STS-129 mission, where he performed two spacewalks and was the first orthopedic surgeon to travel into space.
“Legacy of Black Astronauts presents a rare opportunity for visitors to experience two astronauts who are both integral to Virginia’s history,” Jamie Bosket, President, and CEO at the VMHC said in a statement. “Dr. Robert L. Satcher and Leland Melvin have had remarkable careers and are a testament to the power of hard work and determination. They are a source of pride for our state and a reminder of the great potential of all Virginians.”
“The University of Richmond is delighted to partner with the VMHC to highlight these extraordinary journeys,” said Kevin F. Hallock, the University of Richmond’s President. “At UR, we seek to prepare our students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world. Leland Melvin is an exemplary alumnus, and we are grateful to him and Dr. Robert L. Satcher for sharing their stories and inspiring us all.”
Legacy of Black Astronauts evening lecture will take place on Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. at the VMHC. A book signing and light refreshments for ticket holders will follow the program, with copies of Leland Melvin’s Chasing Space and the Chasing Space Young Readers’ Edition available for pre-sale through the VMHC Museum Store. Please limit signed items to two items per person.
A school program for students will take place on Thursday, October 26th at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets to the evening lecture, please visit VirginiaHistory.org/Astronauts.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is the only institution dedicated to presenting the entire history of Virginia over time and across regions. Its nationally significant collection of more than 9 million objects, renowned research library, galleries and public programs demonstrate the centrality of Virginia to the narrative of the United States.
The VMHC is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society — a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation.