Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, our new display case is coming along nicely. Most of its contents are related to the First Rhode Island Detached Militia, our state’s first volunteer infantry regiment to fight in the American Civil War.
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have launched an exciting new project to build new, professional exhibit displays. This includes new blackout shades to restricts ultra-violet from damaging our historic documents, dyed textiles, and original photos. We are also laying out displays before the new display cases arrive.
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum will be closed for tours as we do this work over the next month or so.
In collaboration with Robert Grandchamp, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has acquired an amazing framed, tinted albumen photograph of bugler William Lewis, who was killed in action during the American Civil War. He was a member of Battery G, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery.
Bugler Lewis was mortally wounded 19 October 1864 at the Battle of Cedar Creek saving a gun of Battery G from being captured. He died two days later and is buried at Winchester National Cemetery.
The Varnum Continentals‘ mission since 1907 has been to preserve and share Rhode Island’s rich military history and heritage. Our ultimate goal is to promote and encourage service – service of all kinds – to our state, country, and local communities.
This rare presentation sword was carried by James H. Allen (12th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment) in combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and service that Rhode Island made during the War to preserve the Union and to end the ugly institution of slavery.
The Varnum Continentals have the chance to acquire this rare and special sword and put it on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. Please help us save Rhode Island’s military history!
Our preservation production team is putting the finishing touches on a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform. This dress form shows the infantryman in motion and highlights a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Click here to see images from earlier in this process.
