Museum Exhibits Archives - Page 19 of 25

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] One-pounder shell recovered from the USS Maine

September 4, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

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 Spain. This one-pounder shell at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was recovered from the USS Maine by those divers. It was for 1 of 4 Hotchkiss rapid-fire guns that were on her decks. The 1990s tag explains how we acquired it back at the turn of the century.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Japanese spy photos of US Navy ships taken before the attack on Pearl Harbor

September 4, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

USS Arizona during 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 final resting place for 1,102 American Sailors and Marines out of the 1,177 killed on board the USS Arizona that fateful day.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Daguerreotype of Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry

September 4, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

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 two battalions of Rhode Islanders, the regiment was re-designated the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry in early 1862. In one of their first combat actions of the American Civil War, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry heroically fought and captured the Confederate-held town of Front Royal, Virginia, which marked the upper reaches of the strategic Shenandoah Valley. Not satisfied with the town’s capture, the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry continued after the Rebels.

Though the retreating foe sent back their compliments in the form of shot and shell, our riders dashed fearlessly on and came upon their hastily formed line of infantry, beyond the farthest bridge, on the Winchester road, and here made one of the most bold, thrilling, magnificent charges on record. They smote the enemy like a tornado and broke their line. Here heroically fell most of the men we this day lost. Here slept in death the bravest of soldiers by the side of fallen horses and dying enemies. The memorable spot was in the vicinity of General Banks losses just one week before; thus refluent are the bloody waves of war. Never fell truer, braver men.

Private Cyrus H. Brackett was one of those brave men that fell to his death while making that fateful charge on May 30, 1862.

Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum

August 23, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

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 BSA is essentially the birthplace and home of Rhode Island’s artillery units. The Rhode Island 103rd Field Artillery Unit likely used this gun in training before heading off to Europe.

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum currently does not have the space to publicly display this amazing piece, so we are thrilled for it to be on public display in a beautiful location.

1903 field gun en route to the Benefit Street State Arsenal

Benefit Street State Arsenal in Providence, RI

1903 field gun at the Benefit Street State Arsenal

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island

July 20, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

U.S. 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 into the Second Brigade, Rhode Island Militia.

At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, “the Band left for Washington, with an immense crowd witnessing their departure amid tremendous cheering. Each man gave his signature and voted to go irrespectful of compensation for their services.”

On July 21, 1861, the Band was present at the first major battle of the U.S. Civil War: The Battle of Bull Run. Band members helped care for and transport the wounded to safety. The drum was likely present at the battle. Being with the first unit to come under fire, the band quickly put down their instruments to act as stretcher bearers for the killed and wounded.

Military bands played an important role in the American Civil War. They kept troops in order on the march, intimidated the enemy in combat while simultaneously motivating their fellow soldiers to stay brave in the face of imminent danger.