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[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat

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This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace.  His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Civil War Enlistment Document from the First New England Cavalry

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The First New England Cavalry was the brain child of Rhode Island Governor William Sprague IV, who wanted all New England states to contribute to a new cavalry regiment in the Fall of 1861. The unit ended up being comprised of only two states: two Rhode Island battalions and one battalion from New Hampshire. After […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1777 Sword Possibly Captured with British General Prescott

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On the night of July 9, 1777, Barton’s Raiders captured the British Commander-in-Chief, General Prescott, in Middletown, RI.  At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a sword that is purported to be the one taken from Prescott on that night. View the images for more details!

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

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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 […]

New Musket Displays at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!

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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 […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Cannon Ball Fired by a Ship Accompanying the CSS Virginia (Merrimack)

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New technology met “the way we’ve always done things” in a big way on March 8, 1862, off the coast of Virginia. The old war sloop, the USS Cumberland, and four other wooden Navy sailing ships faced off against the CSS Virginia (formerly the Merrimack), the world’s first steam-powered and iron-clad warship. This ship instantly […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1839 Lithograph of General George Washington

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Here’s another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a large 1839 lithograph of General George Washington (the frame looks very old as well). You’ll be able to see it in our main display room.  Here’s the description: Originally painted by Parisian artist Leon Cogniet, engraved by Jean Nicolas Laugier, and sold by James […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Gloves Soaked in the Blood of Lt Henry Prescott

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There are a few things in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum truly makes us emotional. This is one of those items: gloves soaked in the blood of Lt Henry Prescott of the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia, who was shot and killed at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861.  He was […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] World War II 1941 Soviet-Made Model TT-33 “Tokarev” Pistol

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Here’s an interesting new addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s World War II collection: a 1941 Soviet-made Model TT-33 “Tokarev” pistol. Known for its rugged and reliable design, this pistol (chambered in 7.62 x 25mm) was developed in the 1930s by Fedor Tokarev to replace the aging Model 1895 Nagant revolver. The pistol saw […]

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.

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