posted 08-15-2025 09:02 AM               

Annual Galactic Gala celebration to support Hemphill's 'Remembering Columbia' Museum

The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' is excited to announce its 6th annual Galactic Gala to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Organized by Friends of the PHS NASA Museum, the black-tie event will celebrate the museum's impact in the community and efforts to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) fields.

This year's gala, themed 'Denim and Diamonds,' will again feature an evening of cocktails, a catered meal, and an exciting program. Live entertainment, a silent auction, and a special guest will highlight the space-themed formal event, which serves as the museum's biggest annual fundraiser. An after-party featuring live music and dancing will follow.

The Hemphill VFW, located at 3049 State Highway 184, will host the gala.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. for a cocktail hour, followed by the meal at 6 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by the Father Time Band. The band will entertain and take you on a magical musical journey and make you want to dance the night away.

The highlight of each year's gala is a keynote. This year's guest of honor is journalist and Space historian Robert Pearlman.

Pearlman is also the founder and editor of collectSPACE, a daily news publication and community focused on where space exploration intersects with pop culture. He is also a contributing writer for Space.com and Ars Technica.

Seating for the popular event is limited, so table reservations are encouraged by Sep. 1. Tickets, which are $50 per person or $75 per couple, may be purchased by contacting the museum at (409) 787-4827 or Belinda Gay at (936) 201-8421. Tables are available for $250 and include 8 guests.

Sponsorships and donations of silent auction items are available to businesses and organizations wishing to support this cause. Please contact the museum by emailing [email protected].

All proceeds from the event will directly support the educational facility's efforts to create science and technology-inspiring learning opportunities for children and adults in East Texas and western Louisiana.