Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[DEC. 9 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Christian McBurney on “Untold Stories of World War II Rhode Island”

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Christian McBurney

Christian McBurney returns to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum to speak about his newly-released book, “Untold Stories from World War II Rhode Island”. This is a sequel to the 2017 book (“World War II Rhode Island”) that he co-authored with the Varnum Continental’s own Brian Wallin.

The new publication shares long-forgotten stories, from amazing secret innovations that were developed in the Ocean State for use by the armed forces overseas, to the training of future U.S. Presidents here in RI, and to recollections of Rhode Islanders when they were children or teenagers during the war years. Christian will be available to sign copies of the book after his talk.

Untold Stories from World War II Rhode Island

Christian McBurney, is the editor and publisher of the website “Small State, Big History”, the online review of Rhode Island History.

RSVP by 6:00 pm Friday, December 6 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for dinner are mandatory and MUST be received by the RSVP date above. NO WALK-INS ALLOWED!

MEETING DATE: Monday, December 9.
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Steak tips, baked scrod, twice baked potatoes, creamed spinach, salad dessert & coffee.
FEE: $20/person

Books by Christian M. McBurney

Christian M. McBurney is an independent historian who has written several books about the American Revolutionary War (several focusing on Rhode Island). He is an attorney in a Washington, D.C. law firm and resides in Kensington, Maryland. In addition, he is is the editor and publisher of the website “Small State, Big History,” the online review of Rhode Island History.

CoverTitle
The Rhode Island Campaign McBurney"The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
Abductions in the American Revolution Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders by Christian M McBurney"Kidnapping the Enemy: The Special Operations to Capture Generals Charles Lee and Richard Prescott" by Christian M. McBurney
"World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Brian L Wallin, Patrick T Conley
"Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders" by Christian M. McBurney
"Untold Stories from World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Norman Desmarais, Varoujan Karentz
"George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
"Spies in Revolutionary Rhode Island" by Christian M McBurney

[SEPT. 9 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on Ida Lewis, Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock

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Idawalley Zoradia Lewis

Ida Lewis was only 11 years old when her father Hosea was appointed keeper of Newport’s Lime Rock Lighthouse in 1853. Four years later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and his teen-aged daughter began assisting her mother in tending the light that marked the often stormy harbor. Ida devoted her life to her work, spending some six decades at the light. Following the deaths of her parents, first her father and then her mother, she was appointed keeper in 1879 at the annual salary of $750 making her the highest-paid light tender in the country. Ever modest of her achievements, she remained devoted to her duties until her death in 1911.

September speaker Varnum Trustee Brian Wallin brings an added knowledge to this story as he also narrates the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises on Narragansett Bay. His richly illustrated lecture portrays one of the most famous women of the 19th century and highlights the role other women played in the care of lighthouses across the country.

RSVP by 6:00 pm Friday, September 6 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for dinner are mandatory and MUST be received by the date and time listed above. NO walk-ins allowed!

MEETING DATE: Monday, September 9
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Steak fry! Baked potato bar, seasonal veggies, Caesar salad, dessert & coffee
FEE: $20/person

  • Illustration of Ida Lewis rowing by Phebe Ann Hanaford
  • Ida Lewis’ grave at the Common Burying Ground
  • Lime Rock Island in 1869 (Harpers Weekly)

[APR. 8 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on “Dutch Island Then and Now”

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Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer.

From its earliest inhabitants (possibly as far back as 12,000 years ago) up to modern times, 55-acre Dutch Island in the center of the Narragansett Bay’s west passage, has played an interesting role. From Italian explorer Giovanni deVerrazano‘s first visit to the bay in 1524, to the arrival of the Dutch in the early 17th century, to its time as a key element in the defense of the Bay, to its status today as part of the Bay Island Park System, Varnum trustee, author and historian Brian L. Wallin takes us through the years for an illustrated look at how Dutch Island has changed with the centuries.

The program includes rarely seen visuals of ancient artifacts plus a tour of today’s island. Brian, who also serves as a narrator for the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises, will include the story of the Dutch Island lighthouse, its colorful keepers that kept the beacon shining until the 20th century, and the light’s new lease on life.

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, April 5 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

MEETING DATE: Monday, April 8
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Carved ham, baked scrod, scalloped potatoes, seasonal veggies, dessert
FEE: $20/person

A 10-inch disappearing gun at Fort Greble.
A 10-inch disappearing gun at Fort Greble.

[MAR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Roy R. Manstan on U-boat Hunters During World War I

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Roy R. Manstan
Roy R. Manstan

Soon after America declared war on Germany in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy established the Naval Experimental Station in New London, CT, on the grounds of Fort Trumbull. The mission was to create technologies to counter the U-boats that prowled the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In a coordinated effort to exploit a submarine’s vulnerability — they were all very noisy — the civilian staff and naval personnel at the Station developed “listening devices,” precursors to modern passive sonar. The presentation covers the development of these devices and also includes the role of the Newport Torpedo Station.

Please join us at the March Varnum Continentals Members Meeting as author and engineer Roy R. Manstan, shares this story. Manstan retired from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, RI, and previously was the diving officer for the NUWC Engineering and Diving Support Unit (EDSU). Manstan is the author of two non-fiction books about naval technology in wartime: “The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War” and “Cold Warriors: The Navy’s Engineering and Diving Support Unit”.

The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War
The Listeners: U-boat Hunters During the Great War

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, March 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

MEETING DATE: Monday, March 11
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Traditional Irish Dinner of corned beef and cabbage, all the sides, and a fabulous dessert
FEE: $20/person

[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner

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Alfred G. Gardner
Alfred G. Gardner

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum exhibit that features the battle-scarred Bible and other artifacts belonging to Rhode Island Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner (Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery) tells a story of sacrifice and devotion to a higher cause. The Bible served as Gardner’s private journal, in which he made observations and recorded his thoughts. Private Gardner witnessed some of the most epic and horrific events of the American Civil War, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredricksburg, and Gettysburg, where he was killed in action while manning his gun. Now known as the Gettysburg Gun, this important relic is on display at the Rhode Island Statehouse.

At our February 11 meeting, the Varnum Continentals welcome Phil DiMaria and Ray Pedro, both of Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery, as they tell Private Gardner’s emotional and inspiring story. Come early and take time to see the artifacts and Gardner Bible before the presentation.

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, February 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, February 11
Time: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Dinner Menu: Bacon-wrapped filet, baked potato bar, green beans almondine, Caesar salad, coffee and dessert
Fee: $20/person

Alfred G. Gardner bible
Alfred G. Gardner bible

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.

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