Christmas came early for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. We just acquired several wonderful identified artifacts from the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry, a hard-fighting unit in the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War. Thank you, Brendan Synnamon and your shop, The Union Drummer Boy, for putting all these things together! HISTORY: 1st Rhode […]
[DECEMBER DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Tim Gray of the World War II Foundation
We are honored to welcome Tim Gray (Chairman of the World War II Foundation and national award-winning documentary film maker) as our guest speaker at the December 2015 Varnum Members Meeting. The World War II Foundation is one of the world’s leading non-profit organizations committed to educating future generations about the personal stories of the […]
Guns & Beer VI Beer Tasting Fundraiser: We’re Bringin’ Out the BIG guns! (NOVEMBER 14, 2015)
Varnum Annual Beer Tasting Fundraiser Slated for Saturday, November 14, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum =========== BUY TICKETS ONLINE! This popular beer tasting fundraiser, now in its 6th year, features RI breweries, museum tours, raffles, food, and oh, yeah: the BIG guns (as in Civil War canons and […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] Infantry Weapons in the Spanish-American War: Forging New Directions
The charge up San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898, is looked upon as one of the high points of the emotion-charged Spanish American War. But for many American soldiers on the ground, it was a nightmare. American troops faced Spanish forces equipped with one of the finest rifles then available: the Model 1893 Mauser. […]
OCTOBER GUEST SPEAKER: John W. Kennedy, Director of Museum Education Naval War College Museum
The Varnum Continentals welcome John W. Kennedy, Director of Museum Education Naval War College Museum, as the guest speaker at our October dinner and annual meeting at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum on Monday, October 19, 2015. This event is open to Varnum Continental Members and their guests only (join the Varnum Continentals here). Kennedy […]
[FEATURE EXHIBIT] Who Carried the British Grenadier Sergeant’s Carbine at the Armory?
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 […]