2025 Events
The Ghostly Tales of Nashua, New Hampshire
Do the Spirits of the Past Still Linger in Nashua?
An Evening of Eerie Local Lore by Local Author
Susanna Hargreaves at the Nashua Historical Society
Could the spirits of Nashua’s past still roam in the very places that legends have long whispered about in local ghost stories? Whether you are a fan of ghost stories, or simply curious about Nashua’s spirited past, come to the Nashua Historical Society on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for a program by Susanna Hargreaves, local writer and educator. Susanna will guide us through some of Nashua’s most ghostly stories which are as rich and varied as the history they are built upon. From the bustling mills that once powered the city’s economy to the homes and streets where Nashua’s first settlers lived, Susanna will share spine-chilling tales of places like Clocktower Place, Martha’s Exchange, Mine Falls, Greeley Park, and more.
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After the program, enjoy refreshments and browse Balin Books' pop-up shop, featuring The Ghostly Tales of Nashua, New Hampshire by Susanna Hargreaves. This new book makes a perfect campfire read or a unique gift for the ghost hunter in your life.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum Library, 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, NH
Admission: Free and open to the public. No registration required. Donations gratefully accepted.
Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, with padded seating, large restrooms, an elevator, as well as a ramp from the free parking lot off Crescent Street.
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About Susanna Hargreaves
Susanna Hargreaves is a writer, educator, and lover of New England’s mysterious history. Living on a historic (and haunted) road in New Hampshire, she’s passionate about uncovering the supernatural tales woven into the fabric of the region’s past. Susanna is a proud to have graduated from Nashua High School. Her knowledge of Nashua’s history brings a fresh perspective to the city’s ghostly legends.
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Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1285450983208152/
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Colonial Dunstable’s Sacred Ground:
Old Souls of the Old South Cemetery Tour
Presented by The Nashua Historical Society
Saturday, September 6, 2025 | One Tour at 10 am – 11:30 am
Location: Old South Burial Ground, 217 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, NH
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Step back in time and walk among the earliest settlers of Nashua— patriots, colonial pioneers, and founding families—on the Old Souls of the Old South Cemetery Tour, a living history event presented by the Nashua Historical Society.
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Before it was Nashua, this area was known as Old Dunstable, a frontier colonial town chartered in 1673 by the Massachusetts General Court. Today, its oldest burial ground—the Old South Burial Ground, with gravestones dating back to 1687—serves as a powerful link to the region’s colonial and Revolutionary past.
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"Nashua’s connections to the American Revolution run deep," says Paula Lochhead, lead organizer of the tour. "This event is one way we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. History isn’t just in books—it’s buried right here. Come stand where the patriots once stood, walk among them, and hear their stories of sacrifice rise from the ground beneath your feet."
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Ticketed guests will move from grave to grave, guided by costumed reenactors who will share vivid, true stories of the people who helped shape early New England. Along with the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers’ families, there are French and Indian War veterans, a colonial stonecutter and his apprentice, and more. Nashua Historical Society President Dean Shalhoup will portray Rev. Thomas Weld (1653–1702), Old Dunstable’s first settled minister. Rev. Weld’s leadership helped guide the community through its early years, and his legacy as both a spiritual and civic leader is integral to the history of the region.
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Guests will also have the special opportunity to visit the 1841 Suburban Red Brick Schoolhouse No. 1, located on the cemetery grounds and restored in 1976. Inside, a schoolmaster and schoolmarm will recreate the experience of a mid-19th century classroom, offering a unique window into the past.
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Event Details:
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Tour: 10 AM – 11:30 AM
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Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour
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Ages 10 and up recommended
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Please be aware that walking may be difficult due to uneven terrain; not wheelchair accessible
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Dress for the weather (umbrellas are allowed) and wear sturdy footwear (no pathways)
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Special event t-shirts: $20 (limited supply, cash only)
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Tickets:
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$20 per person
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Purchase tickets online: Nashua Historical Society Events (credit card fees apply)
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Or in person at the Florence H. Speare Museum (5 Abbott St, Nashua)
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Limited cash-only tickets may be available at the gate
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Parking is available next to the burial ground at Bank of America (across from BJ’s Gas) and the Royal Ridge Mall.
Rain Date: In case of severe weather, updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
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For more information: (603) 883-0015
Also on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2137116546777705
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Heritage in the Heart of Nashua:
A Celebration of Monuments, Music and Hidden History
Heritage in the Heart of Nashua: A Celebration of Monuments, Music & Hidden History
Sat., October 11, 2025, 10 am – 2 pm
The Nashua Historical Society invites the public to a special REV250 celebration event, Heritage in the Heart of Nashua:
A Celebration of Monuments, Music & Hidden History, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at its historic museum grounds located at 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, NH 03064.
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This family-friendly event commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with a full day of engaging activities that highlight patriotic themes and local heritage.
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Guests can explore the historic Abbot-Spalding House, once home to Daniel Abbot—known as “The Father of Nashua.” Inside, visitors of all ages can use their “eagle eyes” while participating in a patriotic eagle-themed scavenger hunt, designed for all ages. Admission is $10 admission to the Abbot-Spalding House. Admission is free for members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel. Proceeds support ongoing preservation efforts for the historic home and its collections.
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Next door, the Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum will be free and open to the public and will feature a special exhibit of Nashua’s historical monuments, curated by the Matthew Thornton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The exhibit will shine a spotlight on public memorials that honor Nashua’s legacy and beyond. The Speare Museum is fully accessible with a ramp from the parking lot into the museum and an elevator to the exhibits on the second floor.
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From 12:00 noon to approximately 2:00 PM, the Amherst Town Band will perform a live outdoor concert featuring patriotic music on the Society’s side lawn. Comprised of dedicated volunteer musicians, the Amherst Town Band is a traditional community ensemble committed to delivering performances of artistic excellence for the enjoyment of both its members and audiences. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an inspiring afternoon of music, history, and community.
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Parking is free and available in the Crescent Street lot and along Abbott Street.
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Join the Nashua Historical Society for this inspiring celebration as part of the nationwide REV250 initiative, honoring the spirit of independence and freedom inspired by the generations who shaped our local and national history.
About the Nashua Historical Society (603)883-0015 https://www.nashuahistoricalsociety.org/
Founded in 1870, the Nashua Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Nashua, New Hampshire. Through its museums, archives, programs, and community events, the Society serves as a resource and gathering place for those inspired by the past, participate in the present, and work towards an informed future.
Program: My Ancestor, the Accused:
A Descendant Remembers the Salem Witch Trials
Presented by: Mary Bingham, a native of Nashua, NH
Hosted by the Nashua Historical Society
Did you know that each person wrongfully accused during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials could have over 4 million descendants living today?
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One such descendant is Mary Bingham, a native of Nashua and lay historian with a deep passion for colonial New England and the Salem Witch Trials. Mary, a descendant of three individuals executed in 1692, brings a personal and poignant perspective to one of history’s darkest chapters.
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In this compelling presentation, Mary shares the story of her 9x great-grandmother, Mary Estey, who was hanged during the trials. Though often overshadowed by her sister Rebecca Nurse, Mary Estey’s story is one of strength, injustice, and dignity in the face of hysteria. From her early life in Great Yarmouth, England, to her role as a wife and mother in colonial Massachusetts—and ultimately to her wrongful conviction and execution—this talk will illuminate the life and legacy of a woman whose voice still echoes through generations.
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Join us as we explore this powerful family history and gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of fear and intolerance.
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Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM, doors open at 6:30 PM; Refreshments will follow.
Location: This program will take place in the comfortable library located in the Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum, 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, NH. The building is accessible with padded chairs, large bathrooms, an elevator between floors and a ramp inside from the free parking area off Crescent Street.
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Admission: There is no need to pre-register; this is a non-ticketed, free event. Donations gratefully accepted.
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Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1994625040945340
The Nashua Historical Society
is a Blue Star Museum
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
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The 2025 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday,
May 17, 2025, and run through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.
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Rotating Exhibits
Fairytales
Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum Library
On view through April 30, 2025
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Find fairytales in Nashua with Kids Into Drama, children's literature, dolls, and more!
The Humane Society for Greater Nashua
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On view at Nashua City Hall​
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The current exhibit is about the history of the Humane Society for Greater Nashua and the pet cemetery located there. Check out the exhibit for history, fun facts, and Humane Society events!
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Please visit The Nashua Historical Society’s changing exhibit case at Nashua’s City Hall!
The Abbot-Spalding House Museum is located at 1 Nashville Street, Nashua, New Hampshire.
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The Nashua Historical Society, Florence H. Speare Memorial Museum is located at 5 Abbott Street, Nashua, New Hampshire.
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Parking for both museums is available behind the Speare Museum or on the street.
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For more information, contact The Nashua Historical Society at 603-883-0015 or nashuahistorical@comcast.net