The Naugatuck History Museum is proud to launch its America 250 program series, "Stories That Shaped a Nation."Each program invites our community to explore moments, ideas, and voices that helped define the American story. These events are free to attend and open to all.

Our first program features What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut’s Revolution, presented by tenor, music instructor, and historian Richard Franklin Donohue. This forty-minute presentation brings to life a remarkable collection of “New Songs” and hymns published in Connecticut during the American Revolution. From the Stamp Act to the British surrender at Yorktown, these stirring works encouraged resistance, celebrated victory, and offered gratitude for survival. As John Adams reflected, they “cultivated the sensations of Freedom.”

Richard will guide guests through this fiery and influential repertoire, performing selections on voice and harpsichord and sharing the stories behind the music. Many of these songs appeared in publications throughout New England, making the program a rich look at the shared musical heritage of the region.

Richard Franklin Donohue is a longtime music educator and historian, serving as the Town Historian of Cromwell and the President and Program Director of the Cromwell Historical Society. He writes the monthly Rosetown Review column for Cromwell Life and presents historical programs across New England.

This program marks the opening of our America 250 program series, and we welcome the community to join us as we reflect on the ideas and experiences that have shaped our nation’s journey.