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 […]
[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Transcript of George Washington’s Letter to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum
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: […]
[GALLERY] September 2015 Member Dinner a Great Success!
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!
[VIDEO] Varnum Memorial Armory Museum on WPRI’s “The Rhode Show”
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 […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] Rhode Island’s Charles Tillinghast James: An Artillery Pioneer
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 […]
New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!
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). […]
Historic Canons at the Varnum Memorial Armory
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, […]
Volunteers Tackle Varnum Armory Exterior Cleanup
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 […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] General George Patton: Master of the Sword
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. […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] The Dorr Rebellion Flag: A Mystery Solved
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, […]