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.
Varnum Continentals’ COVID-19 Precautions
In response to the national emergency and recommendations from the CDC, the Varnum Continentals are not offering tours of our two museums until further notice. With regard to facility rentals, we are in touch with renters regarding our currently scheduled events and working with them on a case-by-case basis. At this time, you can still […]
Motorcycles on Main Fundraiser (April 27-28, 2019)
CLICK HERE TO BUY ADVANCED TICKETS! On Saturday (10AM to 4PM) and Sunday (12PM to 4PM), April 27 and 28, the Varnum Continentals will host “Motorcycles on Main” motorcycle show fundraising event at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI. Tickets are $10 and children (age 12 and under) enter for […]
Varnum Historic Military Command at the Rhode Island State House for flag presentation
Statues in the Rhode Island State House honor various branches of the U.S. Military service. Each statue (purchased by the State in 1945) was meant to be flanked by a U.S. flag and a flag representing that branch of the military. Three of these flags were missing for many years; the Rhode Island Historic Military […]
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. […]
First Annual Varnum House Docents’ Outing
The Varnum House Museum docents held their first annual outing on the grounds of Varnum House Museum. This provided the docents with an opportunity to view the exterior painting of the 1773 house museum, which is currently in progress.
Varnum volunteers contribute to restoration of RI Civil War treasure
A key aspect of the Varnum Continental’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island military history. To that end we are working with the Benefit Street Arsenal to professionally conserve and mount a priceless Rhode Island Civil War treasure: a Confederate artillery battery guidon flag captured by the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers after making a desperate […]
[JUNE 12 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum
The June 12th Varnum Continentals members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and socialize with your fellow Varnum Continentals. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of […]
[GALLERY] Varnum House Colonial Yuletide a Huge Success!
On December 11, 2016, the Varnum House Museum hosted its Annual Colonial Yuletide Celebration featuring festive holiday decorations, live music, refreshments, and host guided tours by docents in period costume. We had over 100 visitors tour the museum and take in many new exhibits and revamped rooms in this 1773 mansion museum. We even had […]
Varnum House BBQ a Big Success!
On Monday, June 13, we had our annual Varnum Continentals Community Barbecue at the Varnum House Museum. What a great time! We had about 100 guests on the grounds for the celebration and taking tours of the newly-refreshed 1773 house museum (originally built by General James Mitchell Varnum). New Varnum House Docent Program Launched It […]