The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) invites the public to attend the unveiling of this historic marker in Nashua as part of our statewide program, Mapping Untold Stories. This program makes New Hampshire’s Black history visible and brings to light the rich history and contributions of Black people in New Hampshire.
The Nashua marker at Holman Stadium honors Black baseball legends Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe, who played there in the 1940s. The unveiling will be held before the Silver Knights game on May 30 and feature speakers, a VIP box, an exhibit, and refreshments.
Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella, and Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Don Newcombe were signed to play with the Nashua Dodgers in 1946 when Jackie Robinson was playing with the Dodgers AAA team in Montreal. While Robinson was busy making headlines in Montreal, Newcombe, and Campanella were making history themselves playing for Nashua of the Class B New England League. The duo made the Nashua Dodgers the first integrated affiliated baseball team in the United States. Both veterans of the Negro Leagues, Newcombe and Campanella dominated the circuit that season, leading Nashua to a championship.
Schedule of Events
5:30 PM Welcome address, Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess & Opening Remarks from Shari Robinson, Black Heritage Trail of NH
5:45 PM Remarks from State Representative Linda Gathright – NAACP and Mrs. Karen Newcombe, Don Newcombe’s widow
5:55 PM Marker Unveiling
6:00 PM Install Marker and photo op with invited guests; Silver Knights game begins
More information regarding attending the ball game coming.
