Revolutionary War Rhode Island United Train of Artillery leather cap
Our Rhode Island United Train of Artillery leather cap (worn during the Revolution by Benajah Carpenter) has safely returned to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia,PA. Carpenter was killed in action at the Battle of Long Island presumably while wearing it. One of the rarest and historically […]
Rhode Island’s Albert Martin, A Hero of the Alamo
Three years ago, we shared this story about Albert Martin at the Alamo with you in Varnum News. Now, there is a new piece of information that may have come about as a result of Rhode Island calling the attention of our friends in Texas to an error in their memorial to the fallen heroes […]
[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 […]
Model 1885 Cavalry Officer’s Great Coat with Cape
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a Model 1885 Cavalry Officer’s great coat with cape. It’s in remarkable condition. It was loaned to us in 1939 by General Glines. It was used by the Rhode Island State Cavalry Guard.
Before and After: H.V. Allen’s Kentish Guard uniform jacket
Here are some before and after images of Varnum Continental’s founding member H.V. Allen’s Kentish Guard uniform jacket from 1900. This job required painters tape, a special vacuum, gentle handwashing in Woolite, and about 5 hours of time. Now the jacket is clean and brighter. Despite the moth damage, it should display nicely at the […]
Billy helps out at the Varnum Memorial Armory
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we really enjoy giving tours to different groups of special needs kids who are fascinated with military history. Today, one of the Armory’s most ardent fans, Billy, visited with a friend and his mother to help us clean some artifacts. He’s very knowledgeable and taught me a lot today. […]
World War I records belonging to James Andrew Clark of Rhode Island
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has become a place where Rhode Island military history is saved from the dust bin of time. This often includes saving the records detailing the more mundane and low-key types of service to our country. Not everyone was in combat. Not everyone was heroic. Not everyone made decisions and actions […]
1903 Rhode Island First Light Infantry (Company D) Glass
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a Rhode Island First Light Infantry (Company D) glass from 1903. This Rhode Island Militia (RIM) group supplied a lot of men to fight in State regiments and the RIM. It was the predecessor of the Rhode Island National Guard.
Smith & Wesson Victory Model 10 Revolver
This Smith & Wesson Victory Model 10 revolver was recently donated to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. The Varnum Memorial Armory’s revolver is a .38 Smith & Wesson. More research is forthcoming. The Smith and Wesson Model 10, produced during World War II, had a “V” for Victory prefix in the serial number. Smith and […]
Thomas Ives’ U.S. Civil War Ship Flags
Our Varnum Memorial Armory Curator, Patrick Donovan, was reading a first-hand account of the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers at the Battle of New Bern in the U.S. Civil War, and came across the names of the ship captains who made up the naval force accompanying the expeditionary force. He faintly recognized one of the names: […]