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You are here: Home / Varnum Memorial Armory / [APR. 8 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on “Dutch Island Then and Now”

[APR. 8 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on “Dutch Island Then and Now”

April 1, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.

From its earliest inhabitants (possibly as far back as 12,000 years ago) up to modern times, 55-acre Dutch Island in the center of the Narragansett Bay’s west passage, has played an interesting role. From Italian explorer Giovanni deVerrazano‘s first visit to the bay in 1524, to the arrival of the Dutch in the early 17th century, to its time as a key element in the defense of the Bay, to its status today as part of the Bay Island Park System, Varnum trustee, author and historian Brian L. Wallin takes us through the years for an illustrated look at how Dutch Island has changed with the centuries.

The program includes rarely seen visuals of ancient artifacts plus a tour of today’s island. Brian, who also serves as a narrator for the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises, will include the story of the Dutch Island lighthouse, its colorful keepers that kept the beacon shining until the 20th century, and the light’s new lease on life.

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

MEETING DATE: Monday, April 8
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: Carved ham, baked scrod, scalloped potatoes, seasonal veggies, dessert
FEE: $20/person

A 10-inch disappearing gun at Fort Greble.
A 10-inch disappearing gun at Fort Greble.

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: rhode island history, 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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