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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure

June 10, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag

A key aspect of the Varnum Continental’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island military history. To that end we are working with the Benefit Street Arsenal to professionally conserve and mount a priceless Rhode Island Civil War treasure: a Confederate artillery battery guidon flag captured by the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers after making a desperate charge at the Battle of New Bern on March 14, 1862.

The flag was sent home and placed here at Benefit Street where it was hung with nails for 155 years. The flag is a valuable symbol of the sacrifice that Rhode Island made for the cause of freedom and Union. We’re very proud of this important conservation work. Many thanks goes out to Brendan Synnamon of the Union Drummer Boy in Gettysburg for his expert assistance.

Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag

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: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Volunteers Tagged With: civil war, confederate, flag

[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.

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