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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [JAN. 8 DINNER MEETING] World War I and Rhode Island: The Centennial Remembered

[JAN. 8 DINNER MEETING] World War I and Rhode Island: The Centennial Remembered

January 1, 2018 By James Mitchell Varnum

World War I "Doughboy"
World War I “Doughboy”

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 manufacturing resource for military supplies, but in terms of the men and women drafted in 1917 who trained at Camp Quonset in North Kingstown, RI, and at the Naval Station Newport, Newport, RI.

Matt will also speak about “Researching Your Doughboy,” sharing his personal journey researching one of the “doughboys” in his family tree, tracing the service and sacrifice of his great uncle, Army 1st Lt. George Baldwin McCoy, a member of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, in the American Expeditionary Force.

Matthew McCoy, a native of Washington, D.C., enlisted in the Navy in 1980 and served as an Operations Specialist, receiving his officer’s commission in 1993. In 2003, he joined Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems as a Principal Systems Engineer. Following Raytheon, he became associated with the Naval War College and currently supports the Hattendorf Center for Marine Historical Research. As State Coordinator for the World War I Centennial Commission, McCoy is involved in numerous activities commemorating our state’s role in the war. He is also serving as a National Aide-de-Camp to the Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Matt and his wife live in North Kingstown, RI.

Come early and view some of the outstanding World War I memorabilia assembled in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5 pm Friday, January 5.

Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (steak tips, chicken Marsala, seasonal veggies, baked potato bar, salad, dessert and coffee)


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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: Speaking Program Tagged With: speaker program, 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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