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Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner

[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner

February 6, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Alfred G. Gardner
Alfred G. Gardner

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum exhibit that features the battle-scarred Bible and other artifacts belonging to Rhode Island Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner (Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery) tells a story of sacrifice and devotion to a higher cause. The Bible served as Gardner’s private journal, in which he made observations and recorded his thoughts. Private Gardner witnessed some of the most epic and horrific events of the American Civil War, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredricksburg, and Gettysburg, where he was killed in action while manning his gun. Now known as the Gettysburg Gun, this important relic is on display at the Rhode Island Statehouse.

At our February 11 meeting, the Varnum Continentals welcome Phil DiMaria and Ray Pedro, both of Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery, as they tell Private Gardner’s emotional and inspiring story. Come early and take time to see the artifacts and Gardner Bible before the presentation.

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, February 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, February 11
Time: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Dinner Menu: Bacon-wrapped filet, baked potato bar, green beans almondine, Caesar salad, coffee and dessert
Fee: $20/person

Alfred G. Gardner bible
Alfred G. Gardner bible

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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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: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, museum exhibit, speaker program, Varnum Membership, 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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