Over the past months, we’ve shared stories about the impact of World War I on the Ocean State. This time, here’s a look at one of the unsung heroes of the war: the SC-1 sub chasers, affectionately known as “The Splinter Fleet.” On July 20, 1917, the U.S. Navy set up operations on Block Island, […]
Behind the Scenes at the Varnum Memorial Armory
Here we are learning how to make a dress form fit to a larger uniform. We use bubble wrap covered with archival tissue paper which is then pinned to the dress form. Behold the World War I uniform of former East Greenwich Police Chief, Charles Johnson all set for display at the Varnum Memorial Armory […]
[JAN. 8 DINNER MEETING] World War I and Rhode Island: The Centennial Remembered
Our speaker this month is Matthew Baldwin McCoy, State Coordinator for the Rhode Island World War I Centennial Commission. Matt will share with us our state’s relationship to the national observance and the role the Ocean State played during the war. Rhode Island made a significant contribution, not only in its role as a major […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] Rhode Island Service Organizations Rally to Serve the Troops in World War I
In the early years of World War I, the conflict seemed a long way away from America’s shores. President Woodrow Wilson had pledged to do all he could to keep the United States neutral. But, finally, by early 1917, events had escalated to the point where on April 6, 1917, Congress declared war on Germany. […]
The glamorous work of museum exhibit conservation
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
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
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
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] Block Island and the Navy in World War I
As we observe the centennial of America’s entry into World War I, over the next months we’ll share a few stories about the Rhode Island connection to “the war to end all wars”. When a Rhode Islander thinks of the US Navy in World War I, Newport, RI, immediately comes to mind. It was home […]
[FEATURE ARTICLE] The U-Boat in Newport Harbor
Many Rhode Islanders are familiar with the sinking of the U-853 off Block Island in the waning days of World War II. But, that wasn’t the first U-boat to prowl Rhode Island waters. For this tale, we go back to 1916. World War I had been raging for two years. The U.S. had managed to […]