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
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