Musick of Connecticut's Revolution, Performed Live at Hagaman Library by Richard Franklin Donohue

Before there were fireworks, there were songs: In the years leading up to the American Revolution, colonists didn’t just argue in pamphlets, but they also sang their defiance; from taverns to meetinghouses, music became a rallying cry. After the Stamp Act ignited outrage, new “liberty songs” spread like wildfire, mocking British authority and uniting communities. Even future president John Adams recognized their power, writing that music helped “cultivate the sensations of Freedom.”
Now, you can hear that spirit brought back to life on Saturday, May 23rd at 2pm in our DeMayo Room! As part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, experience "What a Glorious Crash They Made!", a live musical journey through Connecticut’s revolutionary past. Featuring “New Songs” and Hymns of the American Revolution, this performance will showcase the very music that stirred rebellion, marked triumphs, and offered thanks in uncertain times, from the first rumblings of resistance to the climactic victory at the Siege of Yorktown.
Performed by acclaimed tenor and harpsichordist Richard Franklin Donohue, this dynamic program blends history and performance into one unforgettable experience. A lifelong musician and historian, Donohue brings rare authenticity and passion to this repertoire, illuminating the stories behind the songs and the people who sang them.
Expect stirring melodies, fascinating insights, and a glimpse into how Connecticut’s “seditious” colonists used music as both a weapon and a balm during a time of revolution: RSVP today with Cynthia, Hagaman Library's Community Services Librarian, at [email protected].