Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / An Amazing Addition to the Jesse Whaley Collection!

An Amazing Addition to the Jesse Whaley Collection!

June 6, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

Late in 2018, the family of East Greenwich, RI, native and World War I hero, Pvt. Jesse Whaley, chose the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum to be the caretaker of his uniforms and wartime personal effects (including a helmet and gas mask). A German grenade blinded Whaley at Battle of Saint-Mihiel in France on September 21, 1918.

  • Note the healed wound at his temple.
  • Whaley posing with his Braille machine.

Since then, the exhibit has become a favorite during museum tours. Whaley’s is a inspiring story of sacrifice and survival in war. We also appreciate that Whaley’s family has visited the Armory to see their donations on exhibit and to see the rest of our historic artifacts.

Whaley’s son and his family visits the exhibit at the Armory Museum.

But the story doesn’t end there!

Miraculously, we were contacted by a very kind person on Long Island, NY, who collects World War I dog tags. This person noticed Whaley’s actual dog tags (the ones he would likely have been wearing at the time of his injury) were up for sale on Ebay. He had been researching Whaley and his story and saw that we had his uniform on display. So, he reached out to see if we were interested before bidding on them himself. What a generous thing to do!

Whaley's World War I dog tags.
Whaley’s World War I dog tags.

Also, the Ebay seller offered to refund some of the money, knowing that the dog tags would be reunited with Whaley’s other wartime possessions. Also a very kind gesture.

It’s an amazing story of chance and serendipity. And we’re thrilled to have all of these items in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

  • Private Jesse Whaley
    Private Jesse Whaley
  • Jesse Whaley’s World War I uniform.
  • Whaley exhibit signage at the Armory.
  • The Whaley Collection on display.

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!



Make a Donation!

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: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: varnum memorial armory, world war I

[MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

March 5, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Monday, March 20, Varnum Armory Vice President Maria Vazquez is the featured speaker for our monthly members meeting. Her presentation, “A Brief History of Anchors and the Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor,” will give an account of the history of anchors, how they developed, and how they were used. The presentation will continue with Maria’s insight into the thought and research that went into conserving an anchor from the USS Constellation, a sloop-of-war ship.

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

  • [MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor
  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!

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