[APR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin speaking on “Jamestown and the Military”
Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin leads our return to monthly member meetings with a presentation on “Jamestown and the Military.” Incorporated in 1678, Jamestown has a long, diverse military history. From early colonial days into the 20th century, Jamestown has experienced occupation (and devastation) by the British during the American Revolution, as well as U.S. Civil War encampments, major coastal fortifications, highly classified military research and communications facilities, and even a pair of top-secret World War II German POW camps.
T. Fred Brown’S Battery B 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery Cap
Wrapped in newspaper for about 140 years and kept on a dirt floor garage in Daytona, Florida, this American Civil War cap had bits of paper fused to the heat-melted cap visor. It was in pretty rough shape when it arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This artifact was worn by T. Fred Brown […]
Varnum Armory Launches Exhibit Space Expansion Project
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s exhibit space expansion project is underway! These are demolition images of some office spaces in the Armory that we will restore to its early 20th-century beauty and then fill with many historical artifacts. We plan to use this space for exhibits related to Cold War conflicts and the Global War on Terror, with a focus on Rhode Island’s role and impact.
Grand Army of the Republic Post 6 Guidon Reunited with a Former Commander
This Grand Army of the Republic Post 6 guidon has just been reunited with one of its former commanders, Lyman Aylesworth, at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This American Civil War flag was acquired thanks to generous donations from our Facebook friends. Thank you! This guidon will be professionally conserved and mounted for display. Reno […]
Varnum Memorial Armory Museum featured in the Rhode Island PBS series “Treasures Inside the Museum”
This is a fantastic, inside look at the inner workings of the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum and the exhibits within. RI PBS did a fantastic job on this professional production. Also, kudos go out to all of the volunteer staff who work every day at the Armory to preserve Rhode Island military history. This episode […]
Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Update
Though August tends to be a slower, quieter month for the Varnum Continentals, there has been a lot going on in the background. Here’s a quick update.
Thomas Nichols Letter at the Varnum Armory … a Stunning 18th-Century African American Artifact
Tired and tempted to just throw it all away, I stuck my hand one more time into a large moldy cardboard box filled with random receipts, notes, and other mid-20th-century detritus. It had belonged to one of our founding members who had long since passed. Digging through this old box was part of a (still on-going) gargantuan effort to properly re-pack everything in storage at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum located at 6 Main St. here in East Greenwich, RI.
New Display Cases at the Armory
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, our new display case is coming along nicely. Most of its contents are related to the First Rhode Island Detached Militia, our state’s first volunteer infantry regiment to fight in the American Civil War.
Exhibit Space Renovations at the Varnum Armory
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have launched an exciting new project to build new, professional exhibit displays. This includes new blackout shades to restricts ultra-violet from damaging our historic documents, dyed textiles, and original photos. We are also laying out displays before the new display cases arrive.
Caring for the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s Treasured Artifacts: Conservator Maria Vazquez
The Varnum Continentals collect artifacts that represent our national and local military history. A key aspect of museum management is the conservation of artifacts ensuring they are properly preserved. Our collection includes firearms, bladed weapons, and personal gear used by soldiers. Many soft goods, such as flags and uniforms, require a special type of conservation expertise. And, it is here that the Varnums have gained the valued presence Maria Vazquez, a highly skilled textile conservator as a member of our volunteer family.