Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[FEB. 10 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Stanley Carpenter on “Crushing the Reich: Normandy to Berlin”

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Keitel signs surrender terms, 8 May 1945 in Berlin

This year, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Our February speaker, Stanley Carpenter, will focus on the key last year of the War in his presentation “Crushing the Reich: Normandy to Berlin, 1944-45.” In this timely talk, Carpenter will explain the strategy and include stories and interesting anecdotes about the Allies’ efforts to defeat Nazi Germany in the crucial last year of the war.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Stanley Carpenter is is professor of the strategy and policy department for the College of Distance Education and homeland security/homeland defense coordinator (U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI).

A retired U.S. Navy Captain, Carpenter is a prolific author, whose most recent works include Genesis of Antimony (2018) and Southern Gambit: Cornwallis and the British March to Yorktown (2019).

Reservations must be received by 6:00 pm Friday, February 7.

PLEASE NOTE: Dinner reservations are mandatory and MUST be received by the RSVP date above. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED!

MEETING DATE: Monday, February 10.
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Bacon-wrapped filet, smashed potatoes, veggies, salad, dessert & coffee.
FEE: $20/person

  • Stanley D.M. Carpenter, Ph.D.
  • Axis-held territory at the end of the war in Europe shown in blue

[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner

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Alfred G. Gardner
Alfred G. Gardner

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum exhibit that features the battle-scarred Bible and other artifacts belonging to Rhode Island Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner (Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery) tells a story of sacrifice and devotion to a higher cause. The Bible served as Gardner’s private journal, in which he made observations and recorded his thoughts. Private Gardner witnessed some of the most epic and horrific events of the American Civil War, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredricksburg, and Gettysburg, where he was killed in action while manning his gun. Now known as the Gettysburg Gun, this important relic is on display at the Rhode Island Statehouse.

At our February 11 meeting, the Varnum Continentals welcome Phil DiMaria and Ray Pedro, both of Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery, as they tell Private Gardner’s emotional and inspiring story. Come early and take time to see the artifacts and Gardner Bible before the presentation.

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, February 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, February 11
Time: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Dinner Menu: Bacon-wrapped filet, baked potato bar, green beans almondine, Caesar salad, coffee and dessert
Fee: $20/person

Alfred G. Gardner bible
Alfred G. Gardner bible

[DEC. 10 DINNER MEETING] Christian McBurney: The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)

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Christian McBurney
Christian McBurney

The Battle of Rhode Island, in August 1778, was a key element of the Rhode Island Campaign, the first French and American Operation in the American Revolutionary War. This year marked the 240th anniversary of this confrontation between colonial and British forces on Aquidneck Island. Our Monday, December 10 speaker, Christian McBurney, will share 12 new maps he created for this lecture detailing this underrated, yet important battle.

An independent historian, author, and lecturer on the colonial era in Rhode Island, Christian McBurney has written numerous books and articles for various historical publications. He is the editor and publisher of the online journal of Rhode Island history: smallstatebighistory.com. With fellow Varnum Continentals member Brian Wallin, Christian is also the co-author of “World War Two Rhode Island,” published by History Press. Born and raised in South Kingstown, he earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and is a partner in a Washington, D.C. law firm. He frequently returns to Rhode Island to lecture and visit family.

Reservations must be received by 5:30 pm Friday, December 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 presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (Steamship Round Carved Beef Dinner)

Varnum Historic Military Command at the Rhode Island State House for flag presentation

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Statues in the Rhode Island State House honor various branches of the U.S. Military service. Each statue (purchased by the State in 1945) was meant to be flanked by a U.S. flag and a flag representing that branch of the military. Three of these flags were missing for many years; the Rhode Island Historic Military Commands (aka RI Militia) purchased flags to replace those missing and donated them to the state.

On Friday, June 22, representatives of most of the 11 historic units (including the Varnum Historic Military Command) — in uniforms of the American Revolutionary War and American Civil War eras — presented the flags to the State of Rhode Island.

[JUNE 11 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum

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Varnum House Museum

On Monday, June 11, 2018, the Varnum members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and tour the historic 1773 Varnum House. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken, dessert, and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of beverages.

Tours of Varnum House Museum will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Be among the first to see the interior of the house after its latest round of restorations. As always, your guests are welcome. The event will go on rain or shine.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, June 8. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (come early and tour the museum!)
LOCATION: Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce Street, East Greenwich 02818. (<— Google Maps link)
FEE: $10 including dinner (soft drinks, beer, and wine included)

This is our last members’ meeting of the season; no meetings in July and August. See you in September!

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.

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