The Nashua Historical Society Archives and Museums

05/26/2026

05/06/2026

Nashua Historical Society Presents Declaring Independence: Then & Now

A Powerful REV250 Live Performance of the Words That Helped Shape a Nation

Nashua Historical Society invites the public to experience a unique and thought-provoking live performance event this June as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
On Thursday, June 4, the Society will host two performances of Declaring Independence: Then & Now at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum, 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, NH.

This free public program brings the dramatic story of the Declaration of Independence to life through historic words, modern reflections, and the voices of the people who lived through extraordinary times.

In January 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to adopt its own constitution — a bold act that helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence just months later. Declaring Independence: Then & Now explores that revolutionary moment through a compelling blend of primary source material, costumed readers, and contemporary commentary, revealing how citizens in New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities debated the risks, hopes, and meaning of independence.

Presented by actors in period dress, the performance combines historical storytelling with an annotated reading of the Declaration itself, inviting audiences to consider both the courage of 1776 and the enduring relevance of the nation’s founding ideals today.
The Nashua performances are part of a larger series of 15 community presentations taking place across the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area during the spring and summer of 2026 in honor of the REV250 commemoration. “We are proud to bring this important program to Nashua,” says Paula Lochhead, the committee chairperson. “New Hampshire played a critical role in the movement toward independence, and this performance offers audiences a meaningful opportunity to connect with that history in a vivid and personal way.”

The Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum is fully accessible, air-conditioned, and comfortable for summer audiences. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Questions? 603-883-0015

Declaring Independence: Then & Now. Thursday, June 4, 2026. Speare Museum, 5 Abbott St., Nashua, NH 03064

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Please sign up for one of two performances:

5:00 PM Performance:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/mFmPSoFWGw7835HWJi-eGw

7:00 PM Performance:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/fz4hTUq2RtQDb_mXv4oOoA

Celebrate REV250 with the Nashua Historical Society and discover how the voices of 1776 still speak to us today.

02/05/2026

The Nashua Historical Society is pleased to announce applications are now open for the 2026 Edmund M. Keefe Memorial Scholarship funded by Patricia M. Thruber in honor of Dean Shalhoup. Please see our website at https://www.nashuahistoricalsociety.org/scholarships to apply.

01/01/2026

Be sure to visit the Nashua Public Library in 2026 to see the new Nashua Historical Society's display case! The first exhibit was created by the Matthew Thornton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The exhibit features DAR monuments throughout Nashua, NH.

12/30/2025

As 2025 winds down, we’re looking ahead by celebrating Nashua’s youth—the future stewards of our local history.

When young people visit the Nashua Historical Society, history becomes something they experience, not just observe. They explore exhibits with hands-on Discovery Boxes, jump into interactive programs, and even step into the spotlight—like these three young actresses who help bring our cemetery tours to life at the Old South Burial Grounds and during the Notable Nashuans Cemetery Tours. Scavenger hunts and creative activities spark curiosity and invite questions, imagination, and confidence.

Here’s a cheer to inspiring curiosity today and nurturing a lifelong connection to Nashua’s history for tomorrow!

12/18/2025

Throwback Thursday: Take a step back to 1927 with this large, beautifully framed class photograph labeled Class of 1927 Junior High School, Nashua, NH. The image notes the photographer as Lafayette. Treasures like these capture a moment in time—faces, fashions, and futures just beginning.

This special photograph was generously donated in honor of Dennis Drake. Thank you for helping us continue to preserve and share Nashua’s rich educational history.

12/17/2025

Abbot-Spalding House in the winter... Happy Holidays!