Varnum Continentals

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

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The glamorous work of museum exhibit conservation

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Conservation work continues at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! Here we are cleaning a World War I field uniform worn in France by a local East Greenwich, RI, resident. This Bissel vacuum has the perfect attachment for cleaning moth residue without stressing the fabric or seams. It’s slow and tedious work. Every crevice has to […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] The Lewis Light Machine Gun of World War I

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At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum we have an exceptional example of a World War I Lewis light machine gun originally designed by an American, Isaac Newton Lewis, but rejected by US Ordinance. Lewis took his design to Belgium, where it was received with some enthusiasm. Prior to the fall of Belgium to the Germans […]

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] First US Flag to enter Germany after Armistice

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The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum now has on display the first US flag to cross into Germany after the signing of the Armistice concluding World War I. This July 1919 Providence Journal newspaper article details the great story behind the first US flag to cross into Germany (now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory). […]

Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum

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The Varnum Continentals’ Rhode Island National Guard-issued 1903 field gun and limber has been moved to the Benefit Street Arsenal (BSA) Museum as part of a 2-year loan deal between the two organizations. This incredible piece of early 20th-century artillery (with its original paint and patina) will be on display in their main hall. The […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] Remembering Those Who Served: The East Greenwich World War I Memorial

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How many times have you driven down Main Street past the East Greenwich Town Hall and noticed the handsome stone and bronze memorial on the front lawn? Ever wondered how it got there and what it represents?  This gracefully-aging monument commemorates the World War I service of 183 East Greenwich residents who responded to the […]

[FEATURE ARTICLE] The Quonset Hut: A Rhode Island Original That Went to War – Worldwide

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It was 1941 and like it or not, America was gearing up for war. One major challenge was how to house people and supplies around the globe. The answer came from right here in Rhode Island: the Quonset hut. This writer recently became interested in this simple, multi-purpose structure while researching another story. As it […]

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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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