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Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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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

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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: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, featured exhibit, 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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