Varnum Membership

[JUNE 12 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum

June 6, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum Leave a Comment

Varnum Continentals Community Barbecue 2016

The June 12th Varnum Continentals members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and socialize with your fellow Varnum Continentals. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of beverages.

As a special treat, the June dinner meeting will feature tours of the 1773 Varnum House Museum. These tours will feature docents, in colonial dress, leading tours of James Mitchell Varnum’s historic home.

As always, your guests are welcome. The event is rain or shine; we have tents.

TIME: Monday, June 12 from 5:30 pm – 8 pm
PLACE: Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce Street, East Greenwich, RI
FEE: $10 (soft drinks, beer, and wine included)

PLEASE NOTE: This will be our last meeting until September (no members’ meetings in July and August).

Reservations must be received by 5 pm Friday, June 9. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

[MAY 8 DINNER MEETING] Abductions in the American Revolution: Christian McBurney speaks about his latest book

May 2, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum Leave a Comment

Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders — “Abductions in the American Revolution” by Christian M. McBurney

At the Monday, May 8 Varnum Continentals Members’ Meeting, respected historian and author Christian McBurney will talk about his latest book, “Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders” (McFarland, 2016).

This book covers more than thirty major attempted and successful abductions of military and civilian leaders from 1775 to 1783, from Maine to Georgia, and including two in Great Britain. George Washington supported attempts to kidnap the British commander-in-chief (twice), Benedict Arnold (after he turned traitor), and Prince William Henry (a future king of Great Britain). Washington in turn was targeted at his Morristown, New Jersey, winter headquarters in an attempt that could have succeeded. Other targets included Thomas Jefferson, Philip Schuyler, Charles Lee, and Richard Prescott.

Christian McBurney, independent historian — Christian M. McBurney, independent historian

Christian McBurney is an independent historian who has written several Revolutionary War books, three of them focusing on Rhode Island. He is an attorney in a Washington, D.C. law firm and resides in Kensington, Maryland. This will be Christian’s fourth presentation at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 PM Friday, May 5. 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: Steamship round and ham carving stations, twice-baked potatoes, vegetables,
salad, rolls & butter, dessert & coffee.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Awarded $43,000 RI State Preservation Grant

January 20, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum Leave a Comment

(L to R) Larry McDonald, Patrick Donovan, Joanne Breslin, Mark Gee, and Chris Feisthamel at the awards ceremony at Linden Place.

Historic Linden Place in Bristol, RI, hosted the the Rhode Island State Government’s announcement of the latest State Cultural Facilities Grant and State Preservation Grant recipients. Among the $3.8 million awarded for awarded for capital preservation work at 33 museums, cultural art centers, and public historic sites, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was awarded $43,450 to help pay for a major window restoration project that will not only be more aesthetically pleasing, but they will also help conserve energy, contribute towards collection preservation, and improve the Armory’s overall structural integrity.

Larry McDonald and Joanne Breslin at the awards ceremoney at Linden Place.

Administered by the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission and the R.I. State Council on the Arts, the grant programs require applicants to provide matching funds for their projects.

Governor Gina Raimondo forwarded her congratulations. “The arts and history are part of what makes Rhode Island special,” Governor Raimondo said. “They attract visitors to our state and contribute significantly to our economy. These capital improvement grants will create jobs, both during and after construction, and expand programming opportunities for Rhode Islanders and visitors alike, all of which contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our state.”

“Our cultural infrastructure is critically important to our state’s economy,” said Randall Rosenbaum, Executive Director of the State Council on the Arts. “These museums, galleries and performance spaces serve Rhode Islanders, attract visitors to our state, and contribute to the local economy in many significant ways.”

Certificate of Special Recognition for the RI State Preservation Grant.

“Rhode Island is recognized nationally as a leader in historic preservation and the arts,” said Edward F. Sanderson, Executive Director of the R.I. Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, “These state grants are investments that build on our strengths.”

The Varnum Continentals deeply appreciate this investment in the Varnum Memorial Armory and can’t wait to get to work on this exciting and much-needed restoration project. We’ll post images as the work progresses so that everyone can watch the progress on this critical project.

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission is the state agency for historical preservation and heritage programs. The Commission operates a statewide historical preservation program that identifies and protects historic buildings, districts, structures, and archaeological sites. The Commission also develops and carries out programs to document and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rhode Island’s people. Visit www.preservation.ri.gov for more information.

Varnum Continentals accept their RI State Preservation Grant.

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. Visit www.arts.ri.gov for more information.

RI State Preservation Grant Awards Ceremony at Linden Place, Bristol, RI.

New Musket Displays at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!

January 20, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum Leave a Comment

Musket Display from The Custom Shop, RI.

We can’t wait to get these new musket display racks into the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! These museum display racks have been custom made by Varnum Continentals member Jay Curci, owner and proprietor of The Custom Shop RI (specializing in custom cabinetry, architectural interiors, and fine woodworking).

Many thanks to Jay for his generous donation of materials, hard work, and great skill to the Varnum Continentals!

[GALLERY] “GUNS & BEER VII” Beer Tasting Raises over $6,000!

December 15, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum Leave a Comment

Over 250 people attended the Varnum Continentals 7th annual “Guns & Beer” craft beer tasting fundraiser on November 19, 2016. The beer tasting and raffle grossed over $6,000 in ticket sales, raffles, and new memberships, making this the most successful Guns & Beer in the event’s seven-year history.

In addition to serving up fine craft beers, meads, and ciders the event featured tours of the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s completely revamped military museum exhibit spaces. Volunteer docents gave attendees detailed accounts of the museum’s extensive collection with artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War through present day engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“I would like to personally thank all of the wonderful volunteers, vendors, and attendees who participated in the Guns & Beer event! I firmly believe that everyone who attended really enjoyed themselves! It was evident in speaking with patrons and watching them interact with each other, the beer vendors, the volunteers, and of course visit our wonderful Varnum Armory Museum. What a win this was for a local historic landmark and the community in general,” said Varnum Continentals Trustee and event organizer John Anderson.

The Varnum Continentals is a non-profit organization based in East Greenwich, RI, that owns the Varnum House Museum and the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, each listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

All photos by Emily Buonaiuto. You can view her portfolio at: http://enbuonaiuto.wixsite.com/ebportfolio

Guns & Beer VII exhibitors included these very fine brewers and vendors:

	Foolproof Brewing Company (RI) –– The largest-capacity brewer in RI, Foolproof’s no stranger to awards, either. A recent survey of the two best beers in each of the 50 states named Foolproof’s Farmhouse Ale as one of RI’s top two. Barstool, Raincloud, and Backyard (uh, make that Backyahd; this is a RI beer, after all) … from pale ales to robust porters, Foolproof’s got the winning brew.
	Greenwich Cove Meadery (RI) –– Not only is mead tasty, but it has quite the history. Raw New England honey and whole fruit is turned into a sweet, smooth and potent drink by three generations of family and a few friends. Learn how the fermented brew played a role in the Revolution. Some of the honey comes from hives placed on Nathanael Greene’s birthplace in Potowomut. Take a sip of the past in a glass! Our meads are produced with local New England raw honeys and without adding sulfites.
	Harpoon Brewery (MA) –– Harpoon Brewery is an American brewery founded in 1986. The brewery is best known for its Harpoon India Pale Ale. It brews multiple other year-round beers including the award-winning Dark, UFO Hefeweizen, UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen, UFO White, Leviathan IPA Rich & Dan's Rye IPA, and Boston Irish Stout, its latest full-time offering. Harpoon has four seasonal beers, such as an Octoberfest Marzen style Ale and The Long Thaw White IPA, a style blends the spiciness of a Belgian Wit and the American hop character of an IPA.
	Newport Storm Brewery (RI) –– In the past 17 years, Newport Storm Brewery has made close to 100 different varieties of unique craft brews. They helped pioneer the idea of making limited release beers in 1999 and did the same with canned beer in 2004. Through it all, the focus continues to be making quality, unique, local beers for our fans.
	Providence Brewing Company (RI) –– The Providence Brewing Company (PVDBC) is committed to providing delicious, handcrafted small-batch beers, with a twist. Owner and brewer, Efren Hidalgo, is deeply influenced by his Cuban heritage, and plans to bring those unique flavors into everything he creates. We look forward to making you be a part of our world.
	Revival Brewing Company (RI) –– Revival Brewing is committed to creating wonderful, distinctive beers that appeal to everyone, from beer aficionados to those just beginning to experience the world of craft brews. We partner with local businesses to develop distinct local flavors -- like our White Electric Coffee Stout -- and brew all of our beer at Brutopia in Cranston, RI, or Cottrell Brewing Company in Pawcatuck, CT. High quality, innovative beers, born in New England and brewed with passion. That's Revival.
	Savory Grape Beer & Wine Shop (RI) –– A boutique, fine wine shop featuring an eclectic array of hard-to-find wines, craft brews & spirits. We deliver & ship! Find us on Twitter @TheSavoryGrape.
	Stony Creek Brewery (CT) –– Our Brewmaster has spent the last two decades cultivating his own distinct style, resulting in the fusion of clean, bold, and aggressive West Coast flavors and East Coast balance and drinkability. We aim to make the best, highest-quality beer in the region, and introduce new craft beer drinkers to flavors that are both familiar and new. Stony Creek is something the entire community can rally around, whether you root for local entrepreneurship, great craft beer, or both.
	Thorpe's Wine and Liquor (RI) –– Thorpe's is a quality beer and wine shop as well as a liquor store. It carries a large inventory of domestic brands and has lately been increasing its foreign imports. Thorpe's is also known for its stock of bombers and micros. It has its own private parking lot for customer convenience.
	Whaler's Brewing Company (RI) –– Whaler's Brewing Company is a project by Josh Dunlap and Wes Staschke. We brew beer we like to drink, and we only drink good beer. Along with our flagships, we have a regularly rotating list of beers by the glass, flight, crowler, and growler.