Samuel Colt and His Legendary Model 1860 Army Revolver
Until the 19th century was well along, handguns were limited to single-shot weapons. In 1836, a 22-year old Hartford, Connecticut man, Samuel Colt, came up with a concept for controlled rotation of a firearm that would allow multiple rounds to be fired without reloading. Colt, the son of a textile manufacturer, developed a fascination for […]
[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 […]
Navy Band Brass Quintet free concert at the Varnum Armory on Dec. 2
Join Navy Band Northeast’s Brass Quintet as they share holiday music with the community of East Greenwich at the Varnum Memorial Armory. Free, general admission tickets are encouraged to ensure seating availability. This concert is scheduled for Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 PM. Navy Band Northeast’s Brass Quintet performances are appreciated by audiences of all […]
GUNS & BEER IX BEER TASTING FUNDRAISER (November 17, 2018)
Varnum Annual Beer Tasting Fundraiser Slated for Saturday, November 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum =========== ONLINE TICKET SALES ARE CLOSED! Please buy your tickets at the door. This popular beer tasting fundraiser, now in its 9th year, features RI breweries, museum tours, raffles, food, and amazing historical exhibits […]
[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 […]
11-11-11: One Hundred Years Ago in Providence, RI
The Great War had raged in Europe since 1914. President Woodrow Wilson, following the will of the majority of Americans, had valiantly sought to keep the United States neutral. But, Great Britain was a staunch ally of this country and there was a desire to help but not to become embroiled in the bitter battles […]
1899 first edition of Harpers Weekly “Pictorial History of the Spanish American War”
Here’s another kind donation to the historic military book collection at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This is an 1899 first edition of Harpers Weekly “Pictorial History of the Spanish American War”. The artwork is wonderful and the images are unique and interesting. Thank you, Grant Brandon!
World War I American Flag that Flew in France
Shawn Pease brought this wonderful World War I-era American flag to us. According to his grandfather (who served in the 101st Infantry of the famed “Yankee” Division), the flag “flew in France during the War”. Note the period repairs and patches including two with vintage silk. Shawn and I are figuring out a plan to […]
[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 […]
Pre-American Civil War Providence Horse Guards militia helmet
Pre-American Civil War Providence Horse Guards militia helmet. They sure had style back then. Some of these men formed the nucleus of the First Rhode Island Cavalry who served with great distinction during the U.S. Civil War. Rhode Island’s citizen militias helped make our state regiments some of the most effective units for the Union […]