Former NASA astronaut Dr. Godwin visits Cape Girardeau Co. History Center

JACKSON, Mo. (KFVS) - Heartland residents got the chance to visit with a hometown hero.

Former NASA astronaut and physicist Dr. Linda Godwin visited the Cape Girardeau County History Center on Thursday, May 18.

Godwin was raised in Jackson, Mo., attended Southeast Missouri State University for her bachelor’s degree and went on to attend the University of Missouri.

According to the center, Godwin attended a reception celebrating her as a Cape Girardeau County hero.

She spoke to the group about her time at NASA and what it’s like visiting her hometown.

“When I was actively flying and being assigned to missions, I came back after every flight,” she said. “Not as much over the years, because time has passed for that. But this has been a fun event today at the Historical Society.”

Carla Jordan said highlighting stories like Godwin’s is part of the History Center’s mission.

“We need to document extraordinary people and ordinary people,” Jordan said. “Dr. Linda Godwin happens to be an extraordinary person, and a woman. And it’s about time we celebrated the extraordinary and ordinary women of Cape Girardeau

The History Center created an exhibit in honor of Godwin with her help.

Visitors can stop in and see the exhibit, which will stay up until next spring.

Amber Ruch

Amber has worked at KFVS for eight years.