Protecting the Troops: Evolution of the German Combat Helmet
The collection of the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum contains a significant array of head coverings from combatants on all sides ranging from the American Revolution through the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II, and into the recent past.
Albumen Photograph of Rhode Islander William Lewis, killed in the American Civil War
In collaboration with Robert Grandchamp, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has acquired an amazing framed, tinted albumen photograph of bugler William Lewis, who was killed in action during the American Civil War. He was a member of Battery G, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery.
[FUNDRAISER] Help us acquire American Civil War sword of Capt. James H. Allen, 12th RI Infantry Regiment!
This rare presentation sword was carried by James H. Allen (12th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment) in combat at the Battle of Fredericksburg during the American Civil War. It is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice and service that Rhode Island made during the War to preserve the Union and to end the ugly institution of slavery.
Union soldiers of the American Civil War walk among us at the Varnum Memorial Armory!
Our preservation production team is putting the finishing touches on a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform. This dress form shows the infantryman in motion and highlights a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Preservation in Action at the Varnum Memorial Armory!
Here’s our preservation production team in action. They’re fabricating a custom dress form for a rare New Jersey American Civil War uniform that will show the infantryman in motion and highlight a wound from being shot through the thigh at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863.
Revolutionary War Commission Document belonging to James Mitchell Varnum
This American Revolutionary War commission document at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum was presented to James Mitchell Varnum of East Greenwich, RI (Varnum House Museum) on May 10, 1779, naming him Major General of all Rhode Island Militia forces opposing the Crown troops of Britain. It is now properly framed and on display for the first time thanks to the generous donations made by our Facebook followers.
George Byron Bennett’s Wool Undershirt from the American Civil War
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have the wool undershirt worn by East Greenwich-native Sergeant George Byron Bennett (of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry) in the last year of the American Civil War. It’s in amazing condition, and wear and staining reveals a lot about the soldier, his habits, and his day-to-day life.
American Civil War New Model Army revolver used by Sgt. George Byron Bennett
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have the .44-caliber New Model Army revolver that was carried by Sergeant George Byron Bennett (of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry) in the last year or two of the American Civil War. It is marked with his initials.
American Civil War four-pull spyglass used by Sgt. George Byron Bennett
Now in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum collection, this is classic four-pull “spyglass” used by East Greenwich-native Sergeant George Byron Bennett (of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry) during the American Civil War. A primary role of the Cavalry was scouting and reconnaissance, where a telescope like this would be very useful.
[VARNUM ANNOUNCEMENT] Armory to host rare exhibit focusing on Rhode Island’s American Civil War and African American history
The Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) and Varnum Continentals have joined forces to save and bring home a unique piece of Rhode Island American Civil War and African American history! It will soon be on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.