Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [SEPT. 9 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on Ida Lewis, Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock

[SEPT. 9 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on Ida Lewis, Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock

September 2, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Idawalley Zoradia Lewis

Ida Lewis was only 11 years old when her father Hosea was appointed keeper of Newport’s Lime Rock Lighthouse in 1853. Four years later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and his teen-aged daughter began assisting her mother in tending the light that marked the often stormy harbor. Ida devoted her life to her work, spending some six decades at the light. Following the deaths of her parents, first her father and then her mother, she was appointed keeper in 1879 at the annual salary of $750 making her the highest-paid light tender in the country. Ever modest of her achievements, she remained devoted to her duties until her death in 1911.

September speaker Varnum Trustee Brian Wallin brings an added knowledge to this story as he also narrates the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises on Narragansett Bay. His richly illustrated lecture portrays one of the most famous women of the 19th century and highlights the role other women played in the care of lighthouses across the country.

RSVP by 6:00 pm Friday, September 6 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for dinner are mandatory and MUST be received by the date and time listed above. NO walk-ins allowed!

MEETING DATE: Monday, September 9
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: Steak fry! Baked potato bar, seasonal veggies, Caesar salad, dessert & coffee
FEE: $20/person

  • Illustration of Ida Lewis rowing by Phebe Ann Hanaford
  • Ida Lewis’ grave at the Common Burying Ground
  • Lime Rock Island in 1869 (Harpers Weekly)

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 Tagged With: lighthouse, rhode island history, speaking program

[MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War

May 4, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

In 1991, Greg Banner (a US Army Major at the time) was assigned as an advisor in El Salvador. The US had established an advisory team approximately 10 years prior to help that country fight a communist insurgency. Major Banner spent 15 months as the team leader for one of the several district teams living with and helping Salvadoran units fight their war. This presentation will provide some background to the war and then an overview of one soldier’s experiences there, up to and including the peace treaty which was signed at the end of his tour.

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.

Recent Posts

  • [MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War
  • [APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Blake Ruehrwein on Monuments Officers of the 21st Century
  • [MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

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