Varnum
Armory Museum
Varnum
Armory Museum
Explore Exhibits
About Varnum
Armory Museum
The Varnum Armory Museum displays the largest and best cared for collection of Rhode Island military history in existence. Our vast collection of art, uniforms, weaponry, flags, literature, documents, and other rare military ephemera spans from the 17th century to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and on through to the present day.
Some of the more treasured items include: the oldest flag in America, a letter authored by a Black solider in the 1st RI Regiment of 1778, letters written by George Washington and Nathaniel Greene.
Recent News & Upcoming Events
Old Quarrels, New Politics: JM Varnum’s Congressional and Legal Careers
Varnum Continental Members! Sign up now for our first member dinner of the season on Monday, September 9 starting at 5:30 PM. Our speaker will be local historian and author Robert A. Geake.
Private Tours (Paid)
A private tour is led by the museum curator or a docent. Private tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Content can be tailored to the interest and knowledge-level of the group or person booking the tour. The fascinating, personal, and often emotional stories that lie behind the artifacts are shared.
A tour of the Varnum Armory Conservation lab can also be included in the tour. Visitors will learn about and see current preservation projects being worked on by our textile and document conservators. Private tours must be booked in advance and confirmed by the Varnum Continentals. Private tours often get a unique chance to interact with and hold some artifacts as well.
