Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

You are here: Home / Archives for Museum Exhibits

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure

By

Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag
Restoration of Confederate Guidon Flag

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 charge at the Battle of New Bern on March 14, 1862.

The flag was sent home and placed here at Benefit Street where it was hung with nails for 155 years. The flag is a valuable symbol of the sacrifice that Rhode Island made for the cause of freedom and Union. We’re very proud of this important conservation work. Many thanks goes out to Brendan Synnamon of the Union Drummer Boy in Gettysburg for his expert assistance.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry

By

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 be one of the first Confederate flag’s to be taken by the Union; it’s dated only 2 weeks before First Battle of Bull Run. Charles Douglas is pictured here! What a wonderful little artifact!

Charles Douglas of the First Rhode Island Infantry

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack

By

150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack

Here we have a unique item on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum:  a 152+yr old piece of U.S. Civil War hardtack, the staple food ration for Union soldiers throughout the war.

This simple and sturdy cracker made of flour, water, and salt could be easily carried and last seemingly forever. Issued 9 to 10 per day, soldiers would invent imaginative ways to prepare and eat them. Dipping them in coffee to soften them and get the worms out was common.

[GALLERY] World War II German Parachute with Carrying Case

By

Also shown is a 1943 MP-40 submachine gun.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat

By

Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer's frock coat
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat

This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace.  His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of Battery G as a Lieutenant. He later became a Captain in Battery B.

The shoulder board on this frock coat shows that it was originally for a Lieutenant and then a single bar was later added to make it right for a Captain. So, it is quite likely this jacket was a witness to the great Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.  So far, we’ve spent about 8 hours cleaning these items. They were both covered in moth cocoon remnants and waste. It’s tedious work; removing the waste without also removing fragile fabric or making existing holes bigger. It requires great care and slow progress. But the result is very rewarding.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts