100th Anniversary of the Goddard Rocket Launch

The historic 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard's rocket launch, the first of its kind in history, will be celebrated on March 16, 2026. Join us for library events for all ages, and also check out these community events in Worcester and Auburn to commemorate the occasion.

Bottle "Rockets" - Children 4-12
All Branches, March 2 - 20
Children ages 0-12 come to any of our locations at the Main Library, Burncoat, Frances Perkins, Goddard, Great Brook Valley, Roosevelt, or Tatnuck Magnet to craft a bottle rocket during the month of March to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the launch of Goddard's Rocket. Supplies will be available to work in the library or at home depending on location. Children will have from March 2nd through March 20th to complete their rockets for a prize. Rockets will be displayed at their respective turn in location for the last week of March. While supplies last.

Space Party! - Families with Children Ages 0-12
Main Branch, Monday, March 9 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Let's celebrate all things space in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Goddard's first Rocket Launch!

Cup Rockets - Ages 6-12
Roosevelt Branch, Tuesday, March 10 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Burncoat Branch, Thursday, March 12 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Tatnuck Branch, Friday, March 13 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Goddard Branch, Monday, March 16 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
A pint-sized science experiment! Ages 6-12: In celebration of the 100th year of the launch of Goddard’s rocket, let's make cup rockets and experiment with engineering to make the most efficient rocket! While supplies last.

Astronaut Ice Cream Taste Test - Ages 8-12
Main Branch, Thursday, March 12 from 4 - 5 p.m.
What is it like to eat ice cream in space? Taste a variety of freeze-dried ice cream flavors and vote for your favorite!

"New Adult" Craft Night: Stained Glass Rockets - Ages 16-25
Main Branch, Tuesday, March 17 from 6 - 8 p.m.
Join us in the Innovation Center for our newest library craft group for young adults ages 16-25. This month we will be making stained glass rockets in honor of Robert Goddard from pre-cut glass. Learn how to foil and solder them together and leave with a finished piece. Registration is encouraged as supplies are limited.

NASA Rocket Engineering - Ages 12-18
Goddard Branch, Wednesday, March 18 from 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Inspired by the work of Robert Goddard, come get hands on experience engineering rockets!
Ages 12-18 are invited to the Goddard Branch library to step into the role of an engineer and explore how rockets really work. In this hands-on program, you will design, build, and test multiple rocket models while learning the physics of thrust, pressure, and motion. Inspired by the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first rocket launch near Worcester, MA, you will experiment with designs, analyze what works (and what doesn’t), and discover how early rocket experiments led to today’s space missions.

Ecotarium Presents: Be a Rocket Scientist - Ages 6-11
Main Branch, Wednesday, March 18 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard's rocket launch with the Ecotarium! You'll learn some cool rocketry facts and make a straw propelled rocket.

Planet Painting - Ages 5-11
Frances Perkins Branch, Thursday, March 19 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Great Brook Valley Branch, Wednesday, March 25 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Children 5-11 are invited to use their creativity to paint a stamped canvas scene. Paint as is or add elements from your imagination. While supplies last.

Worcester History Deep-Dive: Worcester In Space - Adults
Main Branch, Saturday, March 21 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
From Robert Goddard to the David Clark Company, Worcester has been deeply involved in space exploration! Join Local History Librarian Alex as we explore how Worcester is truly out of this world! 

Space Themed Shrinky Dinks - Ages 12-18
Main Branch, Monday, March 23 from 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of the Robert Goddard rocket launch by making fun space themed shrinky dink keychains, jewelry, and jibbitz.

Rocket Learning and Building Adventure by a NASA Ambassador - Ages 5-11
Francis Perkins Branch, Tuesday, March 24 from 4 - 5 p.m.
Blast off with us as we celebrate 100 years since the first modern rocket launch by Robert Goddard that happened near Worcester, MA! Build and launch your own balloon and straw rockets, explore how rockets work, and discover how one scientist’s experiment changed the future of space travel. Hands-on, interactive fun.

Two of a Kind - Hey Mr. Spaceman: Exploring Space through Music - Teens and Adults
Main Branch, Friday, March 27 from 3 - 4 p.m.
A talk/performance that explores how musicians across genres have explored and been influenced by our fascination with space.

And don't think we forgot books! Stop in to our branches for book displays, call our "Dial-a-Story" to hear a tale, or sign up for our Reading-Round Up Newsletter for book lists.