Join us to explore how the Legacy of Launch campaign is revitalizing Cape Canaveral’s historic sites to inspire future space explorers. Celebrating 75 years since the 1950 Bumper 8 launch, this initiative transforms landmarks like the Sands Space History Center, Alan Shepard Launch Complex, and Exploration Tower into vibrant STEAM education hubs. In this interactive session, we’ll trace the Space Coast’s legacy from Explorer 1 to Artemis, showing how these sites spark curiosity. Participants will collaborate in breakout groups to design classroom activities—such as history projects or creative STEAM challenges inspired by campaign sites—offering practical K-12 takeaways. Discover how partnerships with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and universities drive this vision of “Honoring the Past, Igniting the Future.” Leave empowered to bring space history to your students or community, supporting a legacy that launches dreams for generations to come.

Jim Thomas is an international speaker and key contributor to the Legacy of Launch campaign, celebrating 75 years of Cape Canaveral’s space history. With expertise in space venture capital, government relations, and entrepreneurship, Jim bridges historic preservation with STEAM education through partnerships across investment, government, military, industry, and universities. As CoFounder of Karman Line Enterprises, he drives space economy innovation. Jim inspires educators and communities to ignite future explorers, honoring the past to launch dreams for generations.