Today marked the first session of the Leadership Greater Nashua Class of 2026, and what an incredible start it was! Our focus for the day was Nashua’s history, arts, and culture, and it proved to be a powerful reminder that leadership is deeply rooted in understanding where we come from.
We had the pleasure of spending our morning with Dean Schalhaus, a native Nashuan, retired telegraph writer and photographer, and longtime member (and current president) of the Nashua Historical Society. Dean brought Nashua’s history to life through rich storytelling and vivid details, not just recounting facts, but connecting the dots between the city’s past and its present-day resilience. He reminded us that leadership is more than influence, it’s about engagement, awareness, and action. It’s about caring enough to preserve, protect, and propel your community forward.
Dean shared how three defining events in the early 20th century shaped Nashua into the city it is today. Moments that tested the community’s strength and inspired the birth of the Nashua New Hampshire Foundation, which ultimately saved the city from economic collapse.
The Crown Hill Fire of 1930: Starting near a railroad bridge on Temple Street, the fire raged for 19 hours, destroying 400 buildings and leaving 600 people unemployed. It was a tragedy that revealed the power of community and resilience in the face of devastation.
The Flood of 1936: Caused by torrential rains and snowmelt, the flood remains one of New England’s worst natural disasters. Nashua’s people once again came together, rebuilding with grit and determination.
The Great Hurricane of 1938: A storm unlike any other, destructive, deadly, and defining. It reshaped the landscape and the spirit of Nashua’s people, reminding everyone that recovery depends on leadership and unity.
These stories from Nashua’s past carry timeless lessons. Leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms or political offices. It thrives wherever people choose to make a difference. True leaders are problem solvers, collaborators, and advocates for progress.
As our Leadership Greater Nashua class embarks on this journey together, we’re reminded that our role is to honor the past while actively shaping the city’s future. To be the kind of leaders who ensure Nashua remains not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Nashua’s strength lies in its people, in their ability to adapt, rebuild, and lead with heart. Our class has big shoes to fill, but we’re ready to learn, grow, and serve a community with such a proud and powerful legacy.
While there was so much incorporated into our day, these were my key takeaways. I look forward to diving deeper into what makes Nashua such a great city, and understanding our role as leaders in moving the leadership legacy forward, grooming the next generation of leaders to follow in our footsteps.
Leadership Greater Nashua Class of 2026, learning from the past to lead the future!
Written By Loretta DeMarco
Following a delicious lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse, the class met at the Nashua Public Library to start a scavenger hunt of murals spread across the downtown area from Positive Street Art. Many of the groups began their journey at the mural located at 75 Main Street, which depicts the Nashua River and mill buildings.
Viewing the murals gives a great glimpse into the history, culture and community of Nashua throughout its history, paying homage to the hard work and community-building by all over the years.
At the end of the walking tour, we met at the Nashua Center for the Arts at 201 Main Street in Nashua. The class was greeted by Rich Lannon, who is the President of the Board of Trustees for the Center, along with Colleen Pentland Lally, who is the Director of Corporate Sponsorships with SPECTACLE Live. Rich, with the support of several others, championed the vision of bringing an arts and entertainment venue to downtown Nashua for the community to enjoy.
The class broke off into two groups to begin the tour of the venue. We were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the VIP Lounge, dressing rooms, and several unique areas of the building, including the outdoor terrace.
Towards the end of the tour, Rich and Colleen answered the many questions we had regarding the Center. It is clear that the Nashua Center for the Arts is being received warmly by the Nashua community, while making a name for itself in the industry with many artists and performers taking a liking to the venue, as the venue competes for big-name acts with other local centers.
Written By Matt Fentross
