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.
Letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum Finds a Home at the Varnum Memorial Armory
The Rhode Island State Society Children of the American Revolution and the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum partnered to research and transcribe a letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum in October of 1777.
A Look Back at the East Greenwich Railroad Station
Turn off Main Street, go down London Street and you’ll find a piece of East Greenwich, RI, history at the corner of Duke Street. It once served as a focal point in the life of the community, from the 1800s into the latter years of the 20th century. The cream building with brown trim (once […]
“The Value of American History” speech by Patrick Donovan, Varnum Armory Curator
This speech by Patrick Donovan was given to the Varnum Continentals membership during our monthly dinner meeting and speaker program on 8 April 2019. I believe, the teaching and sharing of American history can help us come together as a country through the realization that we have a shared story of our national birth and […]
[FEATURE EXHIBIT] 17th Century Fowler Birding Gun Restored by the Varnum Continentals
This ancient Fowler was purportedly carried by Thomas Gould of North Kingstown as he patrolled the beaches of Quidnesset watching for Tory and British ships during the American Revolutionary War. It is a conglomeration of early European parts and some crude American-made parts. This old flintlock birding gun dates from the late 1600s to early […]
World War I American Flag that Flew in France
Shawn Pease brought this wonderful World War I-era American flag to us. According to his grandfather (who served in the 101st Infantry of the famed “Yankee” Division), the flag “flew in France during the War”. Note the period repairs and patches including two with vintage silk. Shawn and I are figuring out a plan to […]
Billy helps out at the Varnum Memorial Armory
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we really enjoy giving tours to different groups of special needs kids who are fascinated with military history. Today, one of the Armory’s most ardent fans, Billy, visited with a friend and his mother to help us clean some artifacts. He’s very knowledgeable and taught me a lot today. […]
Restored United Train of Artillery Militia Flag
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum we have a hand-embroidered and fully restored militia flag for the United Train Of Artillery from Providence, RI. They were one of the early founding companies of the U.S. Artillery. Formed on April 22, 1775, they participated in the Siege of Boston, the Battle of Long Island, and the […]
Renovating the Varnum Armory Dining Room
We’ve started renovating another largely unused room at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum that has not changed since the 1920s. The Varnum Armory dining room will be new museum display space as well as a rentable meeting room. We intend to retain the room’s historic charm, but updated for today’s needs. Fun fact … two […]