Varnum Continentals

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

Varnum Social Media!

You are here: Home / Archives for varnum memorial armory

[FEATURE ARTICLE] Infantry Weapons in the Spanish-American War: Forging New Directions

By

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

By

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?

By

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

By

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!

By

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”

By

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

By

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!

By

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

By

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

By

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 […]

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

Newsletter