Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum

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

August 23, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

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 BSA is essentially the birthplace and home of Rhode Island’s artillery units. The Rhode Island 103rd Field Artillery Unit likely used this gun in training before heading off to Europe.

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum currently does not have the space to publicly display this amazing piece, so we are thrilled for it to be on public display in a beautiful location.

1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal
Benefit Street State Arsenal in Providence, RI
Benefit Street State Arsenal in Providence, RI
1903 field gun at the Benefit Street State Arsenal
1903 field gun at the Benefit Street State Arsenal

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!



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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: artillery, varnum memorial armory, world war I

[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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