Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Our Museums / Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

Varnum Armory Exhibits

In 1913, just six years after their formation, the Varnum Continentals began construction of a medieval-style armory at the corner of Main and Division Streets in East Greenwich, RI. In the mid 1800’s, the site had been the location of the Rhode Island Central Bank, the first bank in the town.

When completed about a year later, the armory included a 40′ by 110′ drill hall, meeting rooms, headquarters for “Varnum’s Regiment”, a chartered unit of the Rhode Island Militia, and a home for the organization’s respected collection of weaponry, uniforms, historic artifacts, and militaria. From 1918 to 1996, the State of Rhode Island leased a majority of the building to house units of the National Guard and (during World War II and the Korean War) the State Guard. The Varnum Armory is one of only a few armories not owned by the State to have housed a National Guard unit.

During World War II, an aircraft spotter’s tower was located on the north tower part of a coastal early warning network operated by the US Army Air Corps and staffed by civilian volunteers.

Varnum Armory Exhibits

VARNUM MEMORIAL ARMORY ARCHITECTURE

New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, East Greenwich, RI.
Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

The armory (and the James Mitchell Varnum House on Peirce Street in East Greenwich, RI) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A 1984 survey of State Historic Buildings describes the armory as follows: “This brick building has remained in perfect condition; front central entrance is recessed into the façade, double doors, wooden, heavy hardware, all incorporated into an arched paneled recessed entrance; multiple pointed arched windows; 2 small square towers are on the front corners; brick buttresses; low brick real ell.”

EVENTS AT THE VARNUM MEMORIAL ARMORY

The armory drill hall has been the site of many public and private events over the years. In the early 20th century it was one of the only sites in East Greenwich capable of housing large community gatherings including banquets, dances, car and hobby shows and auctions. This practice was reinstated following the departure of the National Guard and the spacious main floor hall remains available for rental (click here to rent armory facilities).

OUR MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM

1883 Canon-Mounted Gatling Gun (fully operational)
1883 Canon-Mounted Gatling Gun (fully operational)

The Varnum Armory Museum includes representative examples of weaponry, uniforms and artifacts dating from colonial America and through the 20th century. Among the more unusual items: a functioning 1883 Gatling gun, a Civil War era James Conversion six-pound rifled cannon, and a collection of more than 600 American and foreign patriotic and propaganda posters from World Wars I and II.

Visitors can view a variety of militaria including vintage sabers, flags and banners, a rare Revolutionary War leather helmet worn by a Rhode Island artillery officer at the Battle of Long Island and firearms ranging from colonial flintlock pistols and muskets (including a British carbine captured at the Battle of Saratoga) down to automatic weapons from World Wars I and II. Among the latter is a German Maxim machine gun and a Browning water-cooled .30 caliber machine gun, both from WWI. The museum’s unique displays offer scholars, students and history buffs a visible timeline of the evolution of weaponry and related materials, both American and foreign.

Varnum Armory Exhibits

PRESERVATION AT THE VARNUM MEMORIAL ARMORY

Touring the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

As part of its mission to preserve the armory building (and Varnum House) and its treasured collections for future generations, the Varnum Continentals Board of Trustees has embarked on a strategic plan that includes an updated accessions and catalog policy, enhanced fund raising, volunteerism, educational initiatives, and membership development. In recent years, the trustees have addressed facilities preservation at the armory including a new roof, window replacement and newly completed state-of-the-art dehumidification and air handling system to preserve the museum collections. Further improvements are planned.

Book a Tour at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum (Military & Naval Museum)

The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum contains an extensive military and naval museum with a focus on Rhode Island military history. Our collections spans from the Revolutionary War to modern U.S. military engagements.

You can tour the Armory during an Armory Open House (FREE) or take a paid private tour. To see our calendar of upcoming open house or to book a tour.

CLICK HERE TO TOUR THE
VARNUM ARMORY!


Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



Make a Donation!

We’re a private nonprofit organization receiving no state or federal funding. We depend on your donations to support out valuable work to preserve U.S. history and support our two museums. MAKE A DONATION TODAY!


[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
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