New State Law Allows Varnums to Conserve and Display Rhode Island Revolutionary War Battle Flags
The Varnum Continentals has been on a mission for the last few years to conserve and safely display Rhode Island’s two Revolutionary War battle flags at the Varnum Armory Museum. We joined forces with the National Museum of the United States Army to help make this happen. Our biggest obstacle has been the need to […]
Varnums to Host “Gettysburg Gun” and the “Bull Run Gun” at the Armory
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.
Garment/Uniform Preservation at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
Some “new” garments and uniforms have arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for professional preservation. These include an 1863 contract New York National Guard jacket, an American Civil War medical service officers uniform, a very cool 71st Regiment New York State Militia canteen, and some leather gauntlets.
T. Fred Brown’S Battery B 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery Cap
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 […]
Varnum Armory Launches Exhibit Space Expansion Project
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s exhibit space expansion project is underway! These are demolition images of some office spaces in the Armory that we will restore to its early 20th-century beauty and then fill with many historical artifacts. We plan to use this space for exhibits related to Cold War conflicts and the Global War on Terror, with a focus on Rhode Island’s role and impact.
Caring for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s Treasured Artifacts: Conservator Maria Vazquez
The Varnum Continentals collect artifacts that represent our national and local military history. A key aspect of museum management is the conservation of artifacts ensuring they are properly preserved. Our collection includes firearms, bladed weapons, and personal gear used by soldiers. Many soft goods, such as flags and uniforms, require a special type of conservation expertise. And, it is here that the Varnums have gained the valued presence Maria Vazquez, a highly skilled textile conservator as a member of our volunteer family.
Burnside Memorial Flags Update: Findings of National Interest
Here’s the update you’ve been waiting for! Several weeks ago, we moved six historic, hand-painted silk flags from the Burnside Building (Bristol, RI), to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for evaluation and conservation. We’ve painstakingly unfurled the flags and what we’ve found is truly amazing!
Please click through to read more and see some incredible images of these historic and rare flags!
American Civil War Flag Restoration Project
We now have six historic, hand-painted silk flags from the Burnside Memorial Building in Bristol, RI, that have been transferred to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for evaluation and conservation.
Before and After: U.S. Civil War Forage Cap
There’s no such thing as a lost cause … Most would consider this U.S. Civil War 10th Rhode Island forage cap at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum a lost cause. It was infested with moth larvae, mold, and had not been stored properly for many years. After giving it a lot of care, it is […]
Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure
A key aspect of the Varnum Continental’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island military history. To that end we are working with the Benefit Street Arsenal to professionally conserve and mount a priceless Rhode Island Civil War treasure: a Confederate artillery battery guidon flag captured by the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers after making a desperate […]