SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local astronaut is sharing his story with the next generation. A Dunmore native who flew aboard a NASA mission is marking a major milestone while inspiring kids and families in Scranton. A packed room at the Everhart Museum listened closely as astronaut Paul Richards shared what it is like to travel beyond Earth.

Richards grew up in Dunmore and later became a NASA Mission Specialist. He helped work on the International Space Station, supported the shuttle program, and even took part in work connected to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Sunday’s visit marks the 25th anniversary of the STS-102 mission, which launched in 2001.

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“It’s just so inspiring and so remarkable, and then hearing him talk about it, it’s just an amazing, amazing thing, right?” New Jersey resident Jenna Maus-Colucci said.

“I’m a big fan of experiential learning, getting hands-on and doing the hard things that it takes; That’s schooling. It does take tough schooling to do it, but it’s rewarding in the end. You get to do things like this,” Richards explained.

Artifacts connected to Richards’ mission are now on display at the Everhart Museum, where a special space exhibit will remain open through July.

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