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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum

[MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum

May 7, 2018 By James Mitchell Varnum

James Mitchell Varnum
James Mitchell Varnum

Join us on Monday, May 14 as John Duchesneau, past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and fellow Varnum Continentals member, takes us back in time for a look at our organization’s namesake, General James Mitchell Varnum. Although many of us may be familiar with the General’s background and his historic contributions to our fight for Independence, there are always some new things to learn about Varnum’s distinguished career. Our newer members will especially enjoy this presentation. Born in 1748, Varnum packed a lot into his 41 years of life. He was not only a recognized and respected member of the legal profession; he became one of George Washington’s most trusted officers.

John Duchesneau is a Connecticut native and a 1984 graduate of Providence College. In 1991, he moved to Newport, RI, where he soon became involved with Fort Adams where over a 10-year period he conducted more than 2,500 tours of this historic military facility. John is a member of the Artillery Company of Newport and was appointed its sergeant major in 2004. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of Foreign Wars, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Between 2000 and 2010, he served on four deployments with the Rhode Island National Guard. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, two awards of the Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. John is presently a Veteran Service Representative with the Providence Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, May 11. 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 (BBQ ribs, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, corn bread, and watermelon sorbet)


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: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 18th century, james mitchell varnum, revolutionary war, speaker program, varnum memorial armory

[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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