[JAN. 8 DINNER MEETING] World War I and Rhode Island: The Centennial Remembered
Our speaker this month is Matthew Baldwin McCoy, State Coordinator for the Rhode Island World War I Centennial Commission. Matt will share with us our state’s relationship to the national observance and the role the Ocean State played during the war. Rhode Island made a significant contribution, not only in its role as a major […]
[DEC 11 DINNER MEETING] Maureen Taylor on her book “The Last Muster: Images of the Revolutionary War Generation”
Our December 11 Varnum Member Dinner Meeting will feature a discussion by the author of “The Last Muster”, a remarkable two-volume book (Amazon.com: Volume I || Volume II) by internationally known expert of photographic history, Maureen Taylor. Clients from around the world have sought her expertise in historic photograph identification, photo preservation, and family history […]
[NOV 13 DINNER MEETING] Dr. Maury Klein on Sumpter, Secession, and the Election of Abraham Lincoln as the Last Major Event Leading to the U.S. Civil War
On Monday, November 13, URI Professor Emeritus Maury Klein, a nationally-noted author and historian, will take us through the events preceding the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. The president’s arrival in the White House marked the climax of a decade-long struggle that threatened to tear the nation apart, setting in motion a chain of events […]
[OCT 16 ANNUAL MEETING] Author/Historian Robert A. Geake on “From Slave to Soldier”
The Monday, October 16 members’ meeting is also the Varnum Continental’s Annual Meeting, and it’s only fitting that we look back at one of the significant accomplishments of the man whose name our organization bears: Rhode Island General James Mitchell Varnum. In the winter of 1777, facing a shortage of troops, General Varnum made the […]
[SEPT 11 DINNER MEETING] Author/historian Paul F. Caranci on his book “Wired”
September’s speaker, Paul F. Caranci (Website || Amazon) Rhode Island’s former Deputy Secretary of State (2007-2015) and North Providence town councilman (1994-2011) has dedicated his life to public service, history, and writing. He is the author of seven published books (with an 8th upcoming), and numerous magazine and online articles. He last spoke at a […]
[JUNE 12 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum
The June 12th Varnum Continentals members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and socialize with your fellow Varnum Continentals. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of […]
[MAY 8 DINNER MEETING] Abductions in the American Revolution: Christian McBurney speaks about his latest book
At the Monday, May 8 Varnum Continentals Members’ Meeting, respected historian and author Christian McBurney will talk about his latest book, “Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders” (McFarland, 2016). This book covers more than thirty major attempted and successful abductions of military and […]
[APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] “My Poor Boys…ALL Are Gone!”: The First Rhode Island Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign
At the Varnum Members’ Meeting (on Monday, April 10, 2017), Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan tells the story of the First Rhode Island Cavalry and their important role in the Gettysburg Campaign of June 1863. As Confederate General Robert E. Lee began to execute his daring plan to invade the North with his […]
[MAR. 13 DINNER MEETING] Greenwich Bay Brass Performs at March Meeting
We’re in for a treat for the March 13th Varnum Continentals Members Meeting: a live performance by the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass, a British-style brass ensemble. This all-volunteer group includes both professional and accomplished amateur musicians. The ensemble typically performs with 10 to 12 musicians, about half the size of a full British brass band, […]
[FEB. 20 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Brian Wallin: “Down to the Sea by Rail – Short Rail Lines of Rhode Island”
Unfortunately, the the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass could not accommodate the new member dinner date (Monday, February 20). But we have a brilliant replacement speaker! Our February meeting will feature historian, author, lecturer and Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin, who will take us back in time for a richly illustrated, and sometimes humorous, ride “Down to the Sea […]