Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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About Us

James Mitchell Varnum
James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum Continentals are named for Major General James Mitchell Varnum (1748-1789), commander of one of George Washington’s Continental Army Brigades and a respected attorney, legislator and jurist. In 1907, a group of young men chartered the Varnum Continentals “to perpetuate the customs, uniform and traditions of the period [of the American Revolution], and thereby, and in other ways, to encourage patriotism in the people.”

The “Varnum Continentals” chartered in 1907 as a non-profit historic and patriotic organization, owns both the Varnum House Museum and the Varnum Memorial Armory & Military Museum, each of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1913, the Continentals built the Varnum Memorial Armory at the corner of Main and Division Streets in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. The medieval-style Armory houses a large drill hall, meeting rooms, and an extensive military museum.    In 1939, the Varnum Continentals purchased the Peirce Street mansion that was built in 1773 by General Varnum as his own residence, and where he entertained such historic figures as General Lafayette.

On December 31, 1992, Governor Bruce Sundlun formally reactivated “Varnum’s Regiment” of May 4, 1775, as a unit of the Rhode Island State Militia. The Varnum Continentals militia marching unit participating in parades and also as an honor and color guard at many local and regional civic and military events, to continue the rich heritage of the American Revolution and its outstanding leaders as exemplified by James Mitchell Varnum.


Join the Varnum Continentals for $35!

At only $35 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



Make a Donation!

We’re a private nonprofit organization receiving no state or federal funding. We depend on your donations to support out valuable work to preserve U.S. history and support our two museums. MAKE A DONATION TODAY!


[FEATURE ARTICLE] Thomas Nichols Letter at the Varnum Armory … a Stunning 18th-Century African American Artifact

February 11, 2021 By Patrick Donovan

Tired and tempted to just throw it all away, I stuck my hand one more time into a large moldy cardboard box filled with random receipts, notes, and other mid-20th-century detritus. It had belonged to one of our founding members who had long since passed. Digging through this old box was part of a (still on-going) gargantuan effort to properly re-pack everything in storage at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum located at 6 Main St. here in East Greenwich, RI.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Thomas Nichols Letter at the Varnum Armory … a Stunning 18th-Century African American Artifact
  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Rhode Island’s Namesake Warships: Past, Present, and (Maybe) Future
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] New Display Cases at the Armory

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