Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History
The Varnum Continentals are excited to work with the Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society to introduce teachers to a new public school curriculum on the famed First Rhode Island Regiment of the Revolutionary War. Artifacts from the Varnum Armory Museum are a part of the program.
The Varnum House Museum will be open to the public for the 2022 tour season on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM weekly starting on July 10, 2022. Tours for groups are available by appointment.
Visit the 1773 mansion of General James Mitchell Varnum, a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War and early-American politics. An on-site colonial herb garden includes dye and medicinal plants that are appropriate to the era.
Open to the public on Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Available by appointment.
401-884-1776 or email house@varnumcontinentals.org
If you weren’t able to watch the PBS documentary “A Stitch in Time” on it’s original May 29 air date, we’ve got you covered!
Follow the link to watch this fascinating half-hour documentary showing the journey of America’s oldest colonial militia flag, from the First Company of Bristol County Militia in the 1690s to the present day, as it undergoes delicate conservation at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum under the eye of an expert textile conservator.
Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin leads our return to monthly member meetings with a presentation on “Jamestown and the Military.” Incorporated in 1678, Jamestown has a long, diverse military history. From early colonial days into the 20th century, Jamestown has experienced occupation (and devastation) by the British during the American Revolution, as well as U.S. Civil War encampments, major coastal fortifications, highly classified military research and communications facilities, and even a pair of top-secret World War II German POW camps. This lecture includes numerous, rare visual images and anecdotes.
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations are required and MUST be received by NOON, Friday, April 8. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED!
RSVP to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or scott@ritemps.com.
WHEN: Monday, April 11, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program).
WHERE: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
MENU: Steak filet steak tips, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, dessert & coffee
FEE: $20
CASH BAR: wine, beer, and soft drinks only.
Brian L. Wallin is a 1965 graduate of Stonehill College, and earned his master’s degree in 1968 from American International College. He retired in 2009 as Vice President of Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI where he remains active on several hospital committees. He has held appointments in numerous civic and professional organizations. He is a past president of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications and of the North Kingstown (RI) Rotary Club. He has been a member of the Varnum Armory & Varnum House Museums since 2008 and was named a trustee in 2013. Married in 1968, he and his wife Gail have one son and two grandsons. Brian is an avid guitarist, model railroader and marine model builder. He continues to do free-lance commercial and documentary voice-over narrations.
Wrapped in newspaper for about 140 years and kept on a dirt floor garage in Daytona, Florida, this American Civil War cap had bits of paper fused to the heat-melted cap visor. It was in pretty rough shape when it arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.
This artifact was worn by T. Fred Brown of Battery B 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery during the U.S. Civil War. Our textile conservator, Maria Vazquez, has done extensive work to recover this piece from over a century of poor storage. We’re excited to put this on display when the restoration is completed.
