[EVENTS] Old Colony History Museum in Taunton, MA, host two events of interest to Varnums and history buffs
Check out these fantastic events from the Old Colony History Museum in Taunton, MA.
Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet
This bullet-struck World War II U.S. Marine helmet shows that a bullet entered through the rear, passed through the cover, liner, and shell, and then exited at the front rim. It is unknown if the owner was killed, wounded, or wasn’t wearing it at the time. Based on one researcher, the helmet was most likely used at Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and/or Okinawa.
Revolutionary War-period letter written by African American Veteran Thomas Nichols
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have discovered an American Revolutionary War-period letter written (dictated) by African American Thomas Nichols and signed with “his mark”. Freed from enslavement to serve in the First Rhode Island Regiment, Thomas writes to his former “master and mistress” asking for help in getting a discharge since the Revolutionary […]
American Civil War Epaulets belonging to Colonel Amasa Sprague Jr.
These are American Civil War epaulets belonging to Colonel Amasa Sprague Jr., who served as an aide to his brother, Rhode Island Governor William Sprague, who was the only wartime Governor to have led men in combat.
[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 […]
Varnum House Museum gets a yard cleanup thanks to CCRI volunteers
Many thanks to the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) community service volunteers who came to the Varnum House Museum today! They did a ton of work to spruce up the museum grounds, including rounding up over 60 bags of leaves and yard waste. The Varnum Continentals deeply appreciate all the community volunteers who help […]
Varnum House BBQ a Big Success!
On Monday, June 13, we had our annual Varnum Continentals Community Barbecue at the Varnum House Museum. What a great time! We had about 100 guests on the grounds for the celebration and taking tours of the newly-refreshed 1773 house museum (originally built by General James Mitchell Varnum). New Varnum House Docent Program Launched It […]