Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Promoting U.S. History in East Greenwich, RI.

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You are here: Home / Archives for varnum memorial armory

[FEATURE EXHIBIT] Who Carried the British Grenadier Sergeant’s Carbine at the Armory?

September 29, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

There’s nothing like a good detective story. When coupled with the history of a Revolutionary War weapon, it gets even more interesting. Special thanks go to Russell Malcolm, Patrick Donovan, and Don Hagist for their help in telling this one. Hanging on the wall of our Members Lounge in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum (click […]

Filed Under: Feature Article, Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: english carbine, grenedier, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Transcript of George Washington’s Letter to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum

September 20, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.

Here’s a transcription of our newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum (written on the eve of the Battle of Red Bank, NJ). This item is currently available for viewing.  Just click here to book a tour of the Armory!  IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S LETTER: TRANSCRIPTION: […]

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: George Washington, james mitchell varnum, Red Bank, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[GALLERY] September 2015 Member Dinner a Great Success!

September 20, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Chief Justice Frank Williams speaking on Abraham Lincoln.

Our monthly member dinner featured Frank J. Williams, Lincoln Scholar & Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of RI. There was also great food and even better company!  Check out the gallery! Would you like to attend great speaking programs like this? Join the Varnum Continentals today!

Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: civil war, frank williams, Varnum Membership, varnum memorial armory

[VIDEO] Varnum Memorial Armory Museum on WPRI’s “The Rhode Show”

September 6, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

As part of Friday’s On The Rhode series, the Rhode Show‘s Will Gilbert spent time with Armory Curator Patrick Donovan to feature some amazing historic artifacts that have recently been discovered inside the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. Check out the video!  Many thanks to Will Gilbert and The Rhode Show for helping the Varnum Continentals […]

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: Rhode Show, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURE ARTICLE] Rhode Island’s Charles Tillinghast James: An Artillery Pioneer

September 4, 2015 By Brian Wallin

West Greenwich native Charles Tillinghast James was a product of the Industrial Revolution who achieved fame in such diverse areas as the textile industry, politics, and ultimately, munitions. It was the latter that brought him to his end and for which he is perhaps best remembered. James was born in 1805. From humble beginnings as […]

Filed Under: Feature Article, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, Charles Tillinghast James, civil war, varnum memorial armory

New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!

August 15, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

We’ve been a bit flag challenged at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for quite a while now due to old and worn out equipment.  We’re happy to report that new flags have been re-mounted to the front of the armory museum with new hardware (along with solar-powered lights to keep them illuminated without wasting electricity). […]

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory, Varnum Volunteers Tagged With: flags, varnum memorial armory, volunteer

Historic Canons at the Varnum Memorial Armory

July 19, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Varnum Memorial Armory Canons and Artillery

In addition to a comprehensive military museum of smaller items, the Varnum Memorial Armory features numerous historic canons from both the Revolutionary War and Civil War.  The following gallery provides a sample of our artillery exhibits. The Varnum Armory is available for tours by appointment only.  To book a tour, call 401-885-4110, send an email, […]

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: artillery, canons, civil war, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

Volunteers Tackle Varnum Armory Exterior Cleanup

July 18, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Today was a busy day at the Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich, RI! Members Mark Trimmer, Tim “Action” Jackson, and Armory Curator Patrick Donovan spent a day of “hard labor” removing weeds, stray trees, scrap wood, and discarded trash from the back of the armory and canon shed.  It looks great after all their […]

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory, Varnum Volunteers Tagged With: varnum memorial armory, volunteer

[FEATURE ARTICLE] General George Patton: Master of the Sword

June 5, 2015 By Brian Wallin

Few military exercises are as thrilling as the charge of a cavalry unit, sabers flashing as they face off against the enemy. Of course, in today’s advanced military arsenals, the saber has been relegated to ceremonial use. But as recently as the early days of World War II, you could have witnessed a cavalry charge. […]

Filed Under: Feature Article, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: feature article, George Patton, sword, varnum memorial armory, World War II

[FEATURE ARTICLE] The Dorr Rebellion Flag: A Mystery Solved

May 1, 2015 By Brian Wallin

The Dorr Rebellion Flag

Hanging in the President’s Office is a faded 19th century relic that commemorates a defining moment in Rhode Island history. May 3rd of this year is the 173rd anniversary of the inauguration of Thomas Wilson Dorr as governor of Rhode Island. The only problem was at the time there was already a duly elected governor, […]

Filed Under: Feature Article, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, Dorr, flag, varnum memorial armory

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Featured Posts

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

February 6, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

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 […]

Recent Posts

  • [FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner
  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Young Charley Baker of Wickford: North Kingstown’s First American Civil War Killed in Action
  • [JAN. 14 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff on the 1772 Gaspee Affair
  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Samuel Colt and His Legendary Model 1860 Army Revolver
  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Stiletto — Born in Rhode Island: First of the Mosquito Fleet

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.

Recent Posts

  • [FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner
  • [FEATURE ARTICLE] Young Charley Baker of Wickford: North Kingstown’s First American Civil War Killed in Action
  • [JAN. 14 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff on the 1772 Gaspee Affair

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