This Tuesday evening, I attempted to become a member of the Nashua Historical Society. Per the bylaws, I should have become a member upon payment. I was polite, had a completed application and the necessary funds to become a member. However, my payment and application were refused.

I attended this meeting because I was troubled by a recent letter to the editor which brought to light the organization’s attempt to move away from Robert’s Rules of Order. Those rules allow members to “obtain the floor” and engage in debate regarding matters prior to making organizational decisions – the essence of democracy. I was concerned because it seemed that this organization, the curating organization of our city’s history, was moving away from an open and transparent format to a more closed method of operation. An attempt was made to bring about debate regarding the vote on new bylaws by a member, and this attempt was denied.

The meeting was called, there was an attempt at discussion, which was denied. A vote was called and counted and the meeting was adjourned. For me, this was and still is cause for concern regarding the transparency and openness of this organization. The history of Nashua belongs to all who are a product of it, have contributed to it and will contribute to and learn from it in the future. Great Nashuans have entrusted significant sums of money and other assets, stories, photos, artifacts and relics to meet the mission of this organization, which is over 100 years old. I was compelled to become a member of the society and participate for those reasons, and I am disappointed that I was denied the opportunity to do so prior to this impactful decision.

Paul Shea

Nashua

Newsletter