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WWII Foundation Presents D-Day: Over Normandy on May 27, 2017

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PLEASE NOTE: The Varnum Continentals will have a table at this event!

The public is invited to the world premiere of the new documentary film “D-Day: Over Normandy” narrated by the only five-time Super Bowl-winning head coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick. This event will be hosted by The Vets Auditorium in Providence, RI on May 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM.

Coach Belichick’s father Steve served in WWII in the United States Navy and saw time in both Europe and the Pacific.

The World War II Foundation hired one of France’s top aerial Drone camera companies to film some of the most iconic locations in Normandy from D-Day. The result is some of the most spectacular scenes of the landing beaches viewers have ever seen. In 2016 the WWII Foundation will tell the story of these famous locations utilizing ONLY aerial footage from our Drone camera, along with archival footage from June 6, 1944.

This will be the only New England showing of the film prior to its airing on American Public Television.

Immediately following the showing there will be a brief Q & A session with the producer and director of the film, Tim Gray and two Rhode Island 1st wave D-Day veterans of Omaha Beach.

Please note that due to his hectic schedule, Bill Belichick will not be able to attend the event.

General Admission $15 (a $3 facility fee is included in all pricing; a $3 service fee will be applied to online and phone orders). Tickets are free for Veterans and Military Personnel with proper ID, and must be claimed in person.  Click here to purchase tickets.

[APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] “My Poor Boys…ALL Are Gone!”: The First Rhode Island Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign

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Armory Vice President & Museum Curator Patrick DonovanAt the Varnum Members’ Meeting (on Monday, April 10, 2017), Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan tells the story of the First Rhode Island Cavalry and their important role in the Gettysburg Campaign of June 1863.

As Confederate General Robert E. Lee began to execute his daring plan to invade the North with his confident, battle-hardened Army of Northern Virginia, the First Rhode Island Cavalry were tasked with finding Lee’s 78,000 men to determine Lee’s intentions and ultimate objective.  Accomplishing this mission meant dueling with the legendary troopers of the famed Confederate Cavalry Chief, General J.E.B Stuart.  On June 17th, alone and behind enemy lines, 280 Rhode Islanders rode into Middleburg, VA led by their unique and controversial French Colonel only to face their final destiny.

Patrick Donovan will tell their harrowing story along with providing a brief history of the regiment and background of the Battle of Gettysburg. Original First RI Cavalry artifacts and items from this campaign will also be shared.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 PM Friday, April 7.  Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: “Steak Fry” including a premium steak with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, salad, rolls & butter, coffee, and dessert.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry

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U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry

At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a piece of a U.S. Civil War secession flag taken at Hagerstown by one of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (originally the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia) and presented to “Geo M Ladd by Chas E Douglas USA July 6th 1861”.

This has to be one of the first Confederate flag’s to be taken by the Union; it’s dated only 2 weeks before First Battle of Bull Run. Charles Douglas is pictured here! What a wonderful little artifact!

Charles Douglas of the First Rhode Island Infantry

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack

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150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack

Here we have a unique item on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum:  a 152+yr old piece of U.S. Civil War hardtack, the staple food ration for Union soldiers throughout the war.

This simple and sturdy cracker made of flour, water, and salt could be easily carried and last seemingly forever. Issued 9 to 10 per day, soldiers would invent imaginative ways to prepare and eat them. Dipping them in coffee to soften them and get the worms out was common.

[MAR. 13 DINNER MEETING] Greenwich Bay Brass Performs at March Meeting

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We’re in for a treat for the March 13th Varnum Continentals Members Meeting: a live performance by the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass, a British-style brass ensemble. This all-volunteer group includes both professional and accomplished amateur musicians. The ensemble typically performs with 10 to 12 musicians, about half the size of a full British brass band, which makes a smaller venue like the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum an excellent performance space for the group.

Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay Brass Band

Greenwich Bay Brass has put together a special selection for the Varnum Continentals: marches (all by American composers), a piece by an Australian composer featuring the Civil War anthem, Battle Cry of Freedom, and a few classical pieces, all scored for brass ensemble.

Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay Brass Band

Greenwich Bay Brass has been performing since 2006 throughout Rhode Island (including locally in East Greenwich) and the northeast. Musician Leif Reslow, who is part of the ensemble, is a Varnum member. For additional information, go to greenwichbaybrass.org.  You can also follow them on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Reservations must be received by 5 pm Friday, March 10. Call Scott Seaback at 401/413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Traditional Irish fare in honor of St. Patrick’s Day: Corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and all the fixings.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Welcome to the Varnum Continentals Website!

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.

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