Celebrating the Goddard Centennial in Central Massachusetts

The historic 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard's rocket launch, the first of its kind in history, will be celebrated on March 16, 2026. For both the city of Worcester and the town of Auburn, MA, where the launch took place, this is an occassion to honor one man's remarkable innovation and showcase a local culture that's fostered many historic inventions and firsts.

Worcester, Massachusetts has long stood as a city of innovation—an energetic incubator where visionary ideas take shape and modern technology is born. From the pioneering rocketry experiments of Robert H. Goddard to today’s thriving clusters of biotech, advanced manufacturing, medical research, and robotics, Worcester has repeatedly proven its ability to nurture bold thinkers and transformative breakthroughs. It's universities, cultural institutions, and diverse community form a uniquely fertile environment where curiosity, craftsmanship, and creativity intersect, making Worcester not just a historic city that was the birthplace of the space-age, but a continuing engine of American innovation.
 

learn more about Robert Goddard:

This Lucasfilm documentary explores Robert Goddard's pioneering rocketry, from childhood dreams inspired by science fiction to groundbreaking liquid-fueled experiments. It details the challenges and setbacks faced while developing crucial rocket technology. Witness the evolution of rocket design and its impact on space exploration.

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