Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Join!
    • Varnum Continentals Marching Militia
    • Varnum Continentals Membership
  • Donate
  • About
    • History of the Varnum Continentals
    • About James Mitchell Varnum
    • Officers of Corporation and Board of Trustees
  • Event Rentals
    • Event Rentals at the Varnum Memorial Armory
  • Museums
    • Featured Museum Exhibits
    • Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
      • Tour the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
    • Varnum House Museum
    • Book a Museum Tour
    • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
  • Feature Articles
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
  • Join the Varnums!
  • Make a Donation!
  • Book a Tour!
  • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
You are here: Home / Varnum House Museum / Varnum House Museum Announces Tour Hours for 2017 Season!

Varnum House Museum Announces Tour Hours for 2017 Season!

April 7, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Varnum House Docents prepared for a school tour.
Varnum House Docents

We’re pleased to announce that the Varnum House Museum will be open for the 2017 tour season in June, July, and August on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Tours include a dynamic program featuring costumed interpreters leading our guests through this house museum’s rich history.  Contact the Varnum House Museum by calling 401-884-1776 or email house@varnumcontinentals.org.

A Mansion Built by General James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum House Museum in East Greenwich, RI.

It was 1773 when James Mitchell Varnum purchased a large plot of land overlooking Greenwich Bay in East Greenwich, RI, for the sum of $90. Varnum, a gifted 24 year-old lawyer, did not buy the property solely for the view, but also because it sat behind the Kent County Courthouse (now East Greenwich Town Hall) where the most powerful and influential colonial leaders frequently met. As a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War and early-American politics, Varnum attracted a “who’s who” of guests to his mansion including George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Rochambeau, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and many others.

Pianoforte made by William Frecker of London
18th-century pianoforte by William Frecker of London

Varnum House Museum Architecture

Constructed by master builder John Reynolds, the house was built in keeping with the best architectural standards of the late 18th century. This Georgian-styled mansion has a hipped roof, modillioned cornices, heavily-moulded caps, and a central pedimented doorway with columned porch. The Varnum House Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

 

Docents on duty at the Varnun House Museum
Docents on duty at the Varnun House Museum
A young docent at the Varnum House Museum.
Varnum House docents.

Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



Make a Donation!

We’re a private nonprofit organization receiving no state or federal funding. We depend on your donations to support out valuable work to preserve U.S. history and support our two museums. MAKE A DONATION TODAY!


Filed Under: Varnum House Museum Tagged With: 18th century, George Washington, james mitchell varnum, revolutionary war, varnum house museum, volunteer

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

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.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!
  • Watch the Varnum Armory on Rhode Island Wave!

Search

Copyright © 2023 Varnum Continentals || Log in