Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Museum Exhibits

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Varnums to Host “Gettysburg Gun” and the “Bull Run Gun” at the Armory

July 31, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

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.

The cannons will be on display at the Varnum Armory for a period of two years starting this August. This coincides with a major renovation project that will be on-going at the Rhode Island State House, making this temporary loan both good timing and a true “win-win” for both the State and the Varnum Armory Museum.

We would like to thank Governor Dan McKee, the Secretary of State’s Office, the RI State Legislature, RI State Archives, RI Department of Administration, RI Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, the Rhode Island State House Restoration Society, as well as the RI State House Facility Management team for all their support and good will towards this project.

We are honored to be able to care for these historic guns and will share their stories soon! Stay tuned!

Gettysburg Gun in RI State House

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, varnum memorial armory

[PHOTOS] Open House at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

July 23, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Sunday, July 23, the Varnum Continentals hosted an open house at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It was great to see folks visit with us and take tours of our military museum (including several young history enthusiasts). The next two Armory open house events will take place on:

— Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
— Thursday, August 24 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Uniform of Lance Cpl. Robert w. Cottenier

July 11, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have this uniform that was worn by Lance Cpl. Robert w. Cottenier, 21, of Warwick, RI. He was the son of Mildred (Landy) and Marcel Cottenier. He graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 1966 and worked at Apex before joining the Marines. He was killed in action from gunshot wounds to the chest while engaging the enemy at Kwang Nam during the Vietnam War on September 4, 1967.

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: featured exhibit, varnum memorial armory, vietnam war

Watch the Varnum Armory on Rhode Island Wave!

September 11, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

Check out this long-form video interview with Patrick Donovan, curator/VP at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, by “Rhode Island Wave”.

In addition to the interview, Patrick takes on on detailed walk-through of the Armory and talks about some of the more amazing historical exhibits and stories contained within the Armory walls.

Watch the video here!

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Calligraphy Art of William Henry Pratt

August 21, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

We’ve walked past this artwork at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for years without giving it much thought (believing it was 1990s computer-generated dot art). Boy, were we wrong…

This is an engraving from 1865 where a calligrapher cleverly shaded their penmanship to create a facsimile of Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington using the words of the U.S. Constitution. Here is a description of one in the collection at Mt. Vernon:

“During the 19th century, America’s founding documents – the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence – inspired numerous artists and publishers to produce decorative versions, suitable for framing and display. In this calligraphy portrait, the artist has cleverly shaded the words of the Constitution and amendments, so that George Washington’s face emerges from the text.

Washington’s likeness is based on Gilbert Stuart’s popular ‘Athenaeum’ portrait, originally painted in 1796 and widely copied in paintings, prints, textiles, china, and the dollar bill. Washington’s name also appears, as a signer, at the center edge of his coat collar, about half-way down the white cravat.

The text ends with the 13th amendment’s prohibition of slavery, suggesting a creation date shortly after 1865, but before the passage of the 14th amendment in mid-1866 or its ratification in 1868. Notably, Washington’s portrait did not make its first debut on the dollar bill until 1869.

The artist, William Henry Pratt (1822-1893), was a professor of penmanship in Davenport, Iowa, and the first curator of that city’s Academy of Natural Sciences. He collaborated with the Davenport lithography firm of August Hageboeck on at least three other calligraphy portraits: Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, Washington and the Declaration of Independence, and Ulysses Grant and the Republican Party platform of 1868.”

BOOK A TOUR AT THE VARNUM MEMORIAL ARMORY MUSEUM!

Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

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Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”

September 26, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Watch this episode of “State of the State”, where host Richard August interviews Varnum Continentals President Patrick Donovan about moving of two American Civil War cannons from the Rhode Island State House to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, where they are now on display for the public.

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

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

Recent Posts

  • Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet

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