[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private 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 […]
[JAN. 14 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff on the 1772 Gaspee Affair
The Varnum Continentals welcome John McNiff as our guest speaker at the January Varnum Members Meeting on Monday, January 11, 2016. This dinner is open to Varnum Members and their guests, and is held at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum at 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI. McNiff has created and presented numerous programs and […]
[DEC. 10 DINNER MEETING] Christian McBurney: The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)
The Battle of Rhode Island, in August 1778, was a key element of the Rhode Island Campaign, the first French and American Operation in the American Revolutionary War. This year marked the 240th anniversary of this confrontation between colonial and British forces on Aquidneck Island. Our Monday, December 10 speaker, Christian McBurney, will share 12 […]
[NOV. 12 DINNER MEETING] Major General Christopher Callahan: Modernization of the National Guard
On Monday, November 12, we welcome The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island, Major General Christopher Callahan, as our guest speaker. In a timely presentation as our nation and the world observe the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I, General Callahan will speak about the modernization of the National Guard […]
[SEPT. 10 DINNER MEETING] First US Flag to enter Germany after World War I Armistice
The huge U.S. flag displayed in our drill hall has an illustrious past with a Rhode Island connection. You can read more about it here. At September’s meeting, Varnum member Tom Gardiner relates the story of Tim Morris of Providence, RI. Morris was an American hero who served in World War I as a Knights […]
[JUNE 11 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum
On Monday, June 11, 2018, the Varnum members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and tour the historic 1773 Varnum House. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken, dessert, and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus […]
[MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum
Join us on Monday, May 14 as John Duchesneau, past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and fellow Varnum Continentals member, takes us back in time for a look at our organization’s namesake, General James Mitchell Varnum. Although many of us may be familiar with the General’s background […]
[APR. 9 DINNER MEETING] Patrick Donovan on U.S. Civil War Battle of New Bern
At our April Members’ Dinner Meeting, Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan will tell the story of the Civil War Battle of New Bern that took place early in the U.S. Civil War on March 14, 1862. Patrick will discuss the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers‘ important and heroic role in the attack to capture […]
[MAR. 12 DINNER MEETING] Admiral William Sims Brings Baseball to England to Unify Allies in World War I
When the US entered World War I, the country was not fully prepared. Our Army had to be mobilized, expanded, and trained; our Navy was considered the world’s third largest. The officer who led the Navy in Europe, Rear Admiral William E. Sims, had a reputation as a reformer and brought his leadership experience across […]
[FEB. 12 DINNER MEETING] 50 Tons of Fighting Fury: Navy PT Boats and their Crews
The news media called them “The Plywood Navy.” The Japanese called them “Devil Boats.” Historian, author, and lecturer Brian L. Wallin brings to life the story of the US Navy’s Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center in Melville, Rhode Island, and the men who fanned out from the Ocean State with their small war craft […]