Canton Library To Explore Revolutionary War Music And Local Soldiers' Legacies

CANTON, CT — The Canton Public Library will host an evening celebrating the town's Revolutionary War history on Thursday, July 23, featuring local historical research and a live musical performance highlighting songs from Connecticut's role in the American Revolution.

The program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a presentation by representatives of the Canton Historical Museum and the Abigail Phelps Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It will take place at the library, located at 40 Dyer Ave.

According to the library, the groups will discuss research they conducted to identify the resting places of Canton residents who served during the Revolutionary War.

The presentation will be followed by "What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of Connecticut's Revolution," a 40-minute performance by tenor and harpsichordist Richard Franklin Donohue.

The program features a collection of "New Songs" and hymns published in Connecticut during the Revolutionary War, spanning the period from the Stamp Act through the British surrender at Yorktown.

According to the library, the performance explores how Connecticut colonists used music to encourage support for independence, celebrate military victories, and give thanks for their preservation during the conflict.

The title references John Adams' observation that the music "cultivated the sensations of Freedom."

The event is free and open to the public.

Registration is not required but is encouraged to help library staff prepare the meeting space.

Residents can register through the Canton Public Library's online events calendar.

For more information and to register for the program, click on this link.