WPI Launches its Goddard Centennial Celebration, Propelling Worcester’s Legacy of Innovation Into its Next Century

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has officially ignited its Goddard Centennial Celebration, initiating a series of public events that honor the 100th anniversary of Robert H. Goddard’s historic liquid-fueled rocket launch and the birth of the Space Age. The celebration lifted off March 4 with a public pop-up exhibit hosted by WPI’s Archives and Special Collections, drawing visitors to campus to experience original artifacts from Goddard’s time as a WPI student and faculty member. On display were papers from his years at WPI, his undergraduate thesis, photographs, his personal toolkit, and experimental rocket components that helped transform bold scientific theory into world-changing innovation. Additional pop-up exhibit dates are March 17 and 18, and the exhibit is free and open to the public. The exhibit complements a new digital experience curated by Archives and Special Collections, offering an interactive look at Goddard’s life, his pioneering research, and the essential role his wife, Esther C. (Kisk) Goddard, played in preserving his legacy. The online collection features 3.D. digitizations of experimental rocket parts and highlights from the Robert and Esther Goddard Collection, allowing visitors to explore the ingenuity that launched modern rocketry. WPI’s programming is part of a broader Central Massachusetts centennial celebration marking the anniversary of Goddard’s first successful liquid-fueled rocket launch in 1926—an achievement widely regarded as the dawn of the Space Age. Community partners across the region are hosting events throughout the year to honor Goddard’s life, scientific breakthroughs, and enduring impact on exploration and innovation. “Robert Goddard’s story is a powerful reminder that world-changing ideas can take root right here in Worcester,” said Grace Wang, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “At WPI, he found mentorship, hands-on experimentation, and the freedom to test bold ideas. That spirit remains at the heart of who we are. As we commemorate this centennial, we are not only celebrating a historic launch—we are reaffirming our commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators to reach even higher.” Charles Slatkin, founder and executive director of the Wonder Mission’s Goddard Project initiative, said the regional effort reflects the profound and lasting influence of Goddard’s work. “The first-launch centennial is a unique chance to celebrate and leverage the incredible legacy of the ‘Father of Modern Rocketry’ while simultaneously celebrating the remarkable contributions of our modern-day Goddards and inspiring tomorrow’s Goddards,” Slatkin said. “WPI’s leadership in this celebration underscores how deeply connected Goddard’s legacy is to the region’s identity and future.” The centennial events at WPI continue March 18 at 5:30 p.m. with “Launching the Next 100 Years: Industry, Innovation, and the Future of Space,” a public panel discussion featuring leaders from industry, research, and finance. The conversation will explore how public-private partnerships are expanding access to space; how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are accelerating breakthroughs; and how advances beyond Earth are driving economic growth and workforce development here on Earth. The celebration will culminate April 19 at Mechanics Hall, where WPI’s 80-member Philharmonic Orchestra will premiere “To Fly Without Wings,” a newly commissioned work by composer Gregory W. Brown. Inspired by Goddard’s curiosity and determination, the piece musically traces the arc of discovery—from quiet experimentation to transformative ascent. The concert is free and open to the public. A WPI alumnus and physics instructor, Goddard conducted early experiments on campus that laid the foundation for modern rocketry. His legacy lives on through WPI’s project-based approach to STEM education and its ongoing research in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, and materials science. Through exhibits, expert dialogue, and artistic tribute, W.P.I. invites the community to visit campus, explore Goddard’s story, and celebrate the innovation that launched from Worcester and continues to reach for the stars.