One-pounder shell recovered from the USS Maine
The USS Maine (sent to Cuba “to protect US interests” during the Cuban revolt against Spain) mysteriously exploded on the evening of February 15, 1898. Navy divers were sent to investigate and determined that the cause was a mine. “Remember the Maine” became the rallying cry that helped get the US into a war with […]
Japanese spy photos of US Navy ships taken before the attack on Pearl Harbor
Here’s a unique exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: Japanese spy photos of US Navy ships taken before the attack on Pearl Harbor. One of the pictures is of the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the sneak attack on December 7th, 1941. The ship lies submerged in the harbor today and is the […]
Daguerreotype of Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
This photograph at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum shows Private Cyrus H. Brackett. Born in Acton, Maine, 20-year-old Cyrus Brackett enlisted in the First New England Cavalry as a resident of Dover, NH on October 12th 1861. He was mustered into Co. K on October 24th. Comprised of one battalion of New Hampshire men and […]
Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum
The Varnum Continentals’ Rhode Island National Guard-issued 1903 field gun and limber has been moved to the Benefit Street Arsenal (BSA) Museum as part of a 2-year loan deal between the two organizations. This incredible piece of early 20th-century artillery (with its original paint and patina) will be on display in their main hall. The […]
American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum… The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated […]
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
Another wonderful addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a canteen carried by a Daniel Sullivan of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers from 1862 to 1864 during the American Civil War. Dan Sullivan of Providence (and later Pawtucket), Rhode Island, enlisted on August 21,1862 at North Providence as a Private in the 2nd Rhode Island […]
Civil War Tintype of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles
A new tintype photograph is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It is an image of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles of Co. A in the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers. He enlisted on 14 August 1861 serving at New Bern, (possibly) Antietam, and Fredricksburg. He was killed in action at the Battle […]
The M3A1 “grease gun”
An iconic weapon from World War II is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: the M3A1 “grease gun”.
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 […]
U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a piece of a U.S. Civil War secession flag taken at Hagerstown by one of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (originally the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia) and presented to “Geo M Ladd by Chas E Douglas USA July 6th 1861”. This has to […]