Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Albumen Photograph of Rhode Islander William Lewis, killed in the American Civil War

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In collaboration with Robert Grandchamp, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has acquired an amazing framed, tinted albumen photograph of bugler William Lewis, who was killed in action during the American Civil War. He was a member of Battery G, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery.

Bugler Lewis was mortally wounded 19 October 1864 at the Battle of Cedar Creek saving a gun of Battery G from being captured. He died two days later and is buried at Winchester National Cemetery.

  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis
  • Bugler William Lewis

[FUNDRAISER] Help us acquire American Civil War sword of Capt. James H. Allen, 12th RI Infantry Regiment!

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Captain James H. Allen

The Varnum Continentals‘ mission since 1907 has been to preserve and share Rhode Island’s rich military history and heritage. Our ultimate goal is to promote and encourage service – service of all kinds – to our state, country, and local communities.

This rare presentation sword was carried by James H. Allen (12th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment) in combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and service that Rhode Island made during the War to preserve the Union and to end the ugly institution of slavery.

The Varnum Continentals have the chance to acquire this rare and special sword and put it on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. Please help us save Rhode Island’s military history!

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  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword
  • James H. Allen’s (12th RI Infantry) American Civil War Sword

Union soldiers of the American Civil War walk among us at the Varnum Memorial Armory!

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Our preservation production team is putting the finishing touches on a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform. This dress form shows the infantryman in motion and highlights a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.

Click here to see images from earlier in this process.

  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form
  • American Civil War Uniform Dress Form

Preservation in Action at the Varnum Memorial Armory!

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Here’s our preservation production team in action. They’re fabricating a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform that will show the infantryman in motion and highlight a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.

The display will be amazing. We can’t wait to show it to you!

BOOK A TOUR!

Revolutionary War Commission Document belonging to James Mitchell Varnum

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James Mitchell Varnum
James Mitchell Varnum

This American Revolutionary War commission document at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was presented to James Mitchell Varnum of East Greenwich, RI (Varnum House Museum) on May 10, 1779, naming him Major General of all Rhode Island Militia forces opposing the Crown troops of Britain. It is now properly framed and on display for the first time thanks to the generous donations made by our Facebook followers. Thank you!

About the Varnum Continentals

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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