Find more New Haven Museum Events
Description
From the time of the Stamp Act in 1765 through the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, Connecticut’s seditious colonists used songs and hymns to foment rebellion, commemorate victory, and give thanks for preservation. Historical musician Richard Franklin Donohue will bring his spinet harpsichord to the Pardee-Morris House for a positively revolutionary performance, “What A Glorious Crash They Made,” on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. For weather updates check our Facebook/Instagram pages or visit https://www.newhavenmuseum.org.
“What A Glorious Crash They Made” features a collection of songs and hymns published in Connecticut during the American Revolution. Donohue will sing, sharing his original research and exploring the fiery repertoire that in the words of John Adams, “cultivated the sensations of freedom.”
Donohue searched historical newspaper databases to find original publications of songs that existed in Connecticut between 1768 and 1783. With newly composed lyrics for popular tunes, the songs demonstrate the anger, determination, and gratitude of Connecticut's patriot population. The program will span the Revolutionary War years with selections like John Dickinson's “Liberty Song,” William Billings' “Chester,” Andrew Law's “Middletown,” and popular British tunes with newer texts reflecting the cause of freedom.
Donohue develops programs that explore the space around what he calls “the swinging door that exists between history and music.” He believes that music from any period needs to be presented with careful consideration of historical context, instrumentation, performance practice, and linguistic detail. With pronunciation based on evidence left by Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster, and accompaniment on a spinet harpsichord, Richard strives to create as authentic a sound as possible.
New Haven Museum thanks community partner WSHU 91.1 FM for supporting the 2026 summer season.
About Richard Franklin Donohue
Donohue is a singer, private music instructor, and historian. A life-long performer, he specializes in historic music ranging from Middle English carols to 19th-century romantic music. He studied music at the University of Connecticut and has been teaching piano, voice, and music theory since 1992. He is the town historian of his hometown of Cromwell, Connecticut, and has been the president and program director of the Cromwell Historical Society for 20 years. He is the author of "Rosetown Review," a monthly history article in the Cromwell Life newspaper, and presents historical lectures throughout New England on a wide range of topics.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250” and the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 and rebuilt and expanded by the Morris family. In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at info@newhavenmuseum.org.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum, founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, is located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets the history and heritage of Greater New Haven and through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach brings more than 375 years of the Elm City’s history to life. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum or call 203-562-4183.
Date & Time
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Venue Details
Pardee-Morris House
325 Lighthouse RoadNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
