Matthew Lyon
The only Congressman in U.S. history to win re-election from jail
A musical about Colonel Matthew Lyon - Irish immigrant, Revolutionary War soldier, and the man who single-handedly prevented America from becoming a monarchy during the first peaceful transfer of power.
"Vermont's Hamilton" - Vermont Public Radio
Featured Songs
Experience the musical that brings Matthew Lyon's story to life in our current political moment
The Single Release
The song that VPR called "Vermont's Hamilton" - introducing Matthew Lyon's incredible story
Alien & Sedition Acts
The laws that imprisoned Matthew Lyon - signed on his birthday out of personal animosity
Perhaps the Gentleman
Matthew's wife, Beulah Chittenden, daughter of the governor, campaigns for her imprisoned husband.
Why Matthew Lyon Matters Today
The same laws that imprisoned Matthew Lyon in 1798 are being used today. His story is an uncanny silhouette of our current political climate.
From Immigrant to Congressman
1750 - Born in County Wicklow, Ireland
Emigrated as a teenage orphan, sold into indentured servitude
Revolutionary War Service
Fought at Ticonderoga, Montgomery's army, and Saratoga
1798 - Imprisoned Under Alien Sedition Act
For criticizing President Adams' "ridiculous pomp"
1800 - Cast Tie-Breaking Vote
Secured Jefferson's presidency, ended Federalist Party
Modern Parallels
Alien Sedition Act - Then & Now
The same set of laws that imprisoned Matthew Lyon are currently being used to send citizens to El Salvador with no due process.
Press Freedom Under Attack
Lyon was jailed for publishing criticism of the administration - a chilling parallel to today's attacks on press freedom.
Democracy at a Crossroads
Just as Lyon prevented monarchy in 1800, we face similar threats to democratic institutions today.
"When I shall see the efforts of that power bent on the promotion of the comfort, the happiness, and the accommodation of the people, that executive shall have my zealous and uniform support. But whenever I shall see every consideration of public welfare swallowed up in a continual grasp for power, in unbound thirst for ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, or selfish avarice..."- Matthew Lyon, campaign speech excerpt, July 31, 1798
Performance & Contact
Upcoming Performance
Fairhaven Spring Parade
March 24th, 2024
Portraying Colonel Matthew Lyon with songs from the musical
Presented by the Fairhaven Historic Society
Performance Inquiries
Interested in booking a Matthew Lyon historical performance or musical presentation?
Or have John tune your piano!
auralpianotuning@gmail.comAvailable for schools, historical societies, and educational events