Book Launch, Signing, Photo Op, and Party Information

Book Launch, Signing, and Photo Op Information

The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts

You’re invited to a truly historic afternoon honoring a remarkable group of Deaf Americans whose contributions helped shape the Space Race, yet whose story has remained hidden for decades. The Gallaudet Eleven played a vital role in America’s journey to the moon, and at this special event, their story finally takes center stage.

Even more extraordinary, three of the original Gallaudet Eleven are still living and will be in attendance. More than sixty years after their service, we will publicly recognize them, and if all goes well, there may be some surprise visitors joining us—those who understand the significance of what these men gave to our nation.

We hope the story will inspire millions of children to see that innovation, patriotism, and service come in many forms. As the book’s author, and as a deaf writer myself, I’m proud to share this story.

This may be the last time these three men stand side by side. Join us to witness, celebrate, and honor an unforgettable era in history.

INCLUDED BELOW:

• RSVP form for the event, which includes the RSVP for the GU campus tour (PLEASE FILL THIS OUT!)
• Book order link
• Homewood Suites by Hilton booking link
• Kellogg Hotel booking link

Important Details Here:

• When you finish reading all of this, friends and family, please be sure to complete this RSVP Google Form. General public, please use this link to RSVP. Thanks so much!
• We’ve been given special permission from the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, to hold this book launch a few days before the book’s actual publication. Hooray!
• There will be ASL interpreters on stage.
• A cash bar will be available.
• $15 to park at the Kellogg Hotel for this event
• This is a family-friendly event. Yes, kids are welcome to attend!
• This event is open to the public. Be sure to share widely and bring friends.

Book Orders:

1. The only way you’re guaranteed to have your book on the day of the event is to use this preorder form to purchase a copy through Politics & Prose Bookstore. If you want it signed by me and by the bioastronauts, I encourage you to select this option. You can then pick up the book at the event on Sunday at a designated table. If you preordered anywhere else, thank you, but you will not have the book the day of the event.
2. This event is happening before the actual publication date, so there is no other way to preorder and get the book in time.
3. I will have copies available for sale on the day of the event, but possibly only in a limited quantity. I wouldn’t count on securing your book this way.
4. Please follow these instructions closely. Mistakes may result in you not having your book on the day of the event.
5. At some point, you will be asked to create an account. This is not optional, sorry. It’s much easier to do that right away and then use the link (below) to go to this book’s direct purchase page.
6. https://politics-prose.com/list/kerry-omalley-cerra-gallaudet
7. When the link opens, select “add to cart.”
8. Top right corner, click on your cart
9. Click “checkout”
10. Must fill out “Contact” section (name and email)
11. Must fill out “Pickup Options” section. (Click on “I would like to pick up this order” even though you are NOT the one picking it up at the store. A dropdown box will appear with the default set to the store on Connecticut Ave. Leave it as that.)
12. Fill out the “Payment Information” section.
13. Scroll allllll the way down to “Additional Information.” You must write the following in that section: KERRY CERRA BOOK LAUNCH EVENT
14. Select “Continue to Review”
15. Then use your credit card to pay.

After Party:

Friends and family, we will secure a nearby restaurant for those who would like to join us for dinner and drinks after the book launch. All are welcome! Please use the above Google Form to let us know if you can attend.

Room Block at Homewood Suites by Hilton:

1. I have secured a block of rooms at the Homewood Suites by Hilton (NOMA, Union Station). It’s steps from Gallaudet University and from the Kellogg Hotel on campus.
2. Rate: $199 per night + taxes
3. Rate: good for Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday nights, March 27- March 29 (check out on the 30^th)
4. Only available rooms: King Studio Suite. (king + pullout couch)
5. Hotel address: 501 New York Avenue NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20002
6. Booking link:

  https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=DCANEHW&groupCode=CHWKCB&arrivaldate=2026-03-27&departuredate=2026-03-30&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

8. Last day to book with discount: February 27, 2026, 5 PM
9. Discounted parking rate: $25 per night
10. Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to arrival if canceled before 6 PM
11. Free on-demand shuttle from Homewood Suites to Gallaudet campus, 7 days a week, 10 AM to 6 PM. For this event, they’ve agreed to drop you right at the door of the Kellogg Hotel.
12. Hotel amenities included with this discount:

• • Complimentary hot buffet breakfast buffet daily
  • Complimentary use of the exercise facilities
  • Complimentary WIFI
  • All suites are equipped with a full kitchen.
  • Please note that there are no portable or rollaway beds available.

Kellogg Hotel Option:

1. You can stay at the Kellogg Hotel on Gallaudet campus, where the book launch event is.
2. There’s no room block reserved, but the price was super affordable when I checked.
3. The Homewood Suites is out of rooms with 2 beds; the Kellogg has some.
4. Link to book:Washington DC Capitol Hill Hotels | Kellogg Conference Hotel

Gallaudet University Tour:

1. I have arranged a tour for anyone who wants to see the Gallaudet Campus.
2. Monday, March 30^th, 2026
3. 1:30 PM
4. Meet at the Welcome Center on campus.
5. The tour is in ASL, and an interpreter is not guaranteed for hearing people, but they are hoping to accommodate. If not, many how signed up know ASL fairly well and can help the rest of you out. I may or may not be able to join, but I hope it works out that I can.
6. It’s not too late to join. Just show up!