Varnum Armory’s 1903 field gun now on loan to the Benefit Street State Arsenal Museum
The Varnum Continentals’ Rhode Island National Guard-issued 1903 field gun and limber has been moved to the Benefit Street Arsenal (BSA) Museum as part of a 2-year loan deal between the two organizations. This incredible piece of early 20th-century artillery (with its original paint and patina) will be on display in their main hall. The […]
Varnum Armory Front Entrance Remodeled!
We’ve made a lot of improvements to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s front entrance. Varnum Member Andrew Barkley has rebuilt our original circa-1920s sign board and repainted the green door trim. It looks great. Thanks so much, Andrew!
American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum… The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated […]
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
Another wonderful addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a canteen carried by a Daniel Sullivan of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers from 1862 to 1864 during the American Civil War. Dan Sullivan of Providence (and later Pawtucket), Rhode Island, enlisted on August 21,1862 at North Providence as a Private in the 2nd Rhode Island […]
Civil War Tintype of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles
A new tintype photograph is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It is an image of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles of Co. A in the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers. He enlisted on 14 August 1861 serving at New Bern, (possibly) Antietam, and Fredricksburg. He was killed in action at the Battle […]
The M3A1 “grease gun”
An iconic weapon from World War II is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: the M3A1 “grease gun”.
Varnum Armory Function Hall for your Next Event!
If you need a versatile event space, then look no further than the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s function hall (40 feet by 110 feet), the armory can accommodate events ranging from a few individuals up to 200 people. The images in this gallery show a Bar Mitzvah with an Alice in Wonderland theme. In the […]
[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 […]
WWII Foundation Presents D-Day: Over Normandy on May 27, 2017
PLEASE NOTE: The Varnum Continentals will have a table at this event! The public is invited to the world premiere of the new documentary film “D-Day: Over Normandy” narrated by the only five-time Super Bowl-winning head coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick. This event will be hosted by The Vets Auditorium in Providence, RI on […]
[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 […]