U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a piece of a U.S. Civil War secession flag taken at Hagerstown by one of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (originally the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia) and presented to “Geo M Ladd by Chas E Douglas USA July 6th 1861”. This has to […]
150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack
Here we have a unique item on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a 152+yr old piece of U.S. Civil War hardtack, the staple food ration for Union soldiers throughout the war. This simple and sturdy cracker made of flour, water, and salt could be easily carried and last seemingly forever. Issued 9 to […]
[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, […]
[GALLERY] World War II German Parachute with Carrying Case
Also shown is a 1943 MP-40 submachine gun.
Rhode Island Civil War Artillery Officer’s Frock Coat
This Rhode Island Civil War Artillery officer’s frock coat and pants belonged to a member of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. James E. Chace. His unit was a storied regiment with a lot of combat experience in many of the biggest battles of the Eastern theater. At Gettysburg, Chace was a member of […]
Civil War Enlistment Document from the First New England Cavalry
The First New England Cavalry was the brain child of Rhode Island Governor William Sprague IV, who wanted all New England states to contribute to a new cavalry regiment in the Fall of 1861. The unit ended up being comprised of only two states: two Rhode Island battalions and one battalion from New Hampshire. After […]
1777 Sword Possibly Captured with British General Prescott
On the night of July 9, 1777, Barton’s Raiders captured the British Commander-in-Chief, General Prescott, in Middletown, RI. At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a sword that is purported to be the one taken from Prescott on that night. View the images for more details!
Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Awarded $43,000 RI State Preservation Grant
Historic Linden Place in Bristol, RI, hosted the the Rhode Island State Government’s announcement of the latest State Cultural Facilities Grant and State Preservation Grant recipients. Among the $3.8 million awarded for awarded for capital preservation work at 33 museums, cultural art centers, and public historic sites, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was awarded $43,450 […]
New Musket Displays at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!
We can’t wait to get these new musket display racks into the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! These museum display racks have been custom made by Varnum Continentals member Jay Curci, owner and proprietor of The Custom Shop RI (specializing in custom cabinetry, architectural interiors, and fine woodworking). Many thanks to Jay for his generous donation […]
Cannon Ball Fired by a Ship Accompanying the CSS Virginia (Merrimack)
New technology met “the way we’ve always done things” in a big way on March 8, 1862, off the coast of Virginia. The old war sloop, the USS Cumberland, and four other wooden Navy sailing ships faced off against the CSS Virginia (formerly the Merrimack), the world’s first steam-powered and iron-clad warship. This ship instantly […]