James Mitchell Varnum, Author at Varnum Continentals

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnums to Host “Gettysburg Gun” and the “Bull Run Gun” at the Armory

July 31, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum is excited to announce that we will be temporary caretakers of two of Rhode Island’s most important military artifacts: the “Gettysburg Gun” (pictured) and the “Bull Run Gun”. These two American Civil War cannons represent incredible, emotional tales of Rhode Island heroism and sacrifice. We are developing all new interpretative signage to tell their epic stories. To complement the cannon exhibit, the Varnum Armory Museum collection includes several artifacts on display that are directly related to the guns and the pivotal battles they are named for.

The cannons will be on display at the Varnum Armory for a period of two years starting this August. This coincides with a major renovation project that will be on-going at the Rhode Island State House, making this temporary loan both good timing and a true “win-win” for both the State and the Varnum Armory Museum.

We would like to thank Governor Dan McKee, the Secretary of State’s Office, the RI State Legislature, RI State Archives, RI Department of Administration, RI Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, the Rhode Island State House Restoration Society, as well as the RI State House Facility Management team for all their support and good will towards this project.

We are honored to be able to care for these historic guns and will share their stories soon! Stay tuned!

[PHOTOS] Open House at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

July 23, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Sunday, July 23, the Varnum Continentals hosted an open house at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It was great to see folks visit with us and take tours of our military museum (including several young history enthusiasts). The next two Armory open house events will take place on:

— Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
— Thursday, August 24 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

[PHOTOS] Varnum Continentals Historic Militia Cannon Drill at the Varnum House Museum

July 22, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Saturday, July 22, the Varnum Continentals Historic Militia held a cannon drill at the Varnum House Museum. We had a great time and enjoyed getting visits from folks in the local community. The historic militia members demonstrated the equipment and procedures used to load a cannon and reviewed safety procedures. After the drill, the cannon was painted.

We were happy to see folks visiting the House’s period herb garden and enjoying the museum grounds. We look forward to seeing you again in the future at the Varnum House Museum!

Varnum Continentals Historic Militia Cannon Drill at the Varnum House Museum

July 19, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Join the Varnum Continentals Historic Militia on Saturday, July 22, from 10 AM to 2 PM for an informative cannon drill at the Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce St. East Greenwich, RI (right behind town hall). At the cannon drill, historic militia members will demonstrate the equipment and procedures used to load a cannon in preparation for firing and review safety procedures (the cannon will NOT be fired). After the drill, we’ll be painting the cannon; we welcome your assistance.

While on the Varnum House Museum grounds, visitors can also visit the House’s period herb garden, which was designed and maintained by URI Master Gardeners. We look forward to seeing you at the Varnum House Museum!

The event is free and open to the public. Check out the Facebook Event Link.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Uniform of Lance Cpl. Robert w. Cottenier

July 11, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have this uniform that was worn by Lance Cpl. Robert w. Cottenier, 21, of Warwick, RI. He was the son of Mildred (Landy) and Marcel Cottenier. He graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 1966 and worked at Apex before joining the Marines. He was killed in action from gunshot wounds to the chest while engaging the enemy at Kwang Nam during the Vietnam War on September 4, 1967.