Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Join!
    • Varnum Continentals Marching Militia
    • Varnum Continentals Membership
  • Donate
  • About
    • History of the Varnum Continentals
    • About James Mitchell Varnum
    • Officers of Corporation and Board of Trustees
  • Event Rentals
    • Event Rentals at the Varnum Memorial Armory
  • Museums
    • Featured Museum Exhibits
    • Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
      • Tour the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
    • Varnum House Museum
    • Book a Museum Tour
    • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
  • Feature Articles
  • Blog
  • Calendar
  • Contact
  • RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
  • Join the Varnums!
  • Make a Donation!
  • Book a Tour!
  • EVENT SPACES FOR RENT
You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War collection of Sgt. George Byron Bennett

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War collection of Sgt. George Byron Bennett

July 19, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

George later in the American Civil War

We have a new acquisition for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! A large collection of American Civil War items used by East Greenwich native, Sergeant George Byron Bennett (of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry) is being put on long term loan with us.

George served for the duration of the U.S. Civil War experiencing many campaigns and battles. He was captured at Middleburg, VA, and served time as a prisoner of war (POW).

The collection includes several rarely seen items. Via Varnum friend Stephen Heinstrom working with George’s great-grandson and his wife (who live in NH), the decision was made to keep everything together in the Varnum Armory museum and shared with the public. We will share individual exhibits here as we catalog them, so stay tuned!

EXHIBIT SPOTLIGHTS

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War four-pull spyglass used by Sgt. George Byron Bennett

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War New Model Army revolver used by Sgt. George Byron Bennett

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] George Byron Bennett’s Wool Undershirt from the American Civil War

  • George Byron Bennett early in the American Civil War wearing his Federal regulation mounted services jacket.
  • George as a young boy in the 1850s
  • George wearing his double breasted Cavalry great coat
George Byron Bennett Collection

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: American Civil War, featured exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[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

Search

Copyright © 2023 Varnum Continentals || Log in