Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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

Tour the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

Visit the Varnum Armory Museum, home of the largest collection of Rhode Island military history, by attending one of our public open houses or by booking a private tour.

Open House Events (FREE; donations encouraged)

Touring the museum during an open house is free, but donations are encouraged. No reservation is required. During a public open house, you can walk through the museum rooms and exhibits at your own pace. Docents will be present to answer any questions.

Upcoming Open House Dates & Times

  • Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Private Tours (Paid)

A private tour is led by the museum curator or a docent. Private tours typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Content can be tailored to the interest and knowledge-level of the group or person booking the tour. The fascinating, personal, and often emotional stories that lie behind the artifacts are shared.

A tour of the Varnum Armory Conservation lab can also be included in the tour. Visitors will learn about and see current preservation projects being worked on by our textile and document conservators. Private tours must be booked in advance and confirmed by the Varnum Continentals. Private tours often get a unique chance to interact with and hold some artifacts as well.

Maximum number of people for a private tour is 30.

Private Tour Fees

Children under 18 and Varnum Continental Members are free (Join the Varnum Continentals).
1-5 adults: $75 total
6 or more adults: $15/person

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE TOUR!

Important notes about visiting the Varnum Armory Museum:

  1. Access to the museum requires using a staircase. Elevators and ramps are not available today.
  2. Enter the Armory through the large front doors. They will be open or unlocked when you are scheduled to arrive.
  3. Parking is available on Main St., Division St. (north side of the Armory), or behind the Armory in the small lot in front of the green five-bay garage (despite the no parking signs; we own the building and lot).
  4. Given that the museum is about war history and the tools of war, our collection is not necessarily appropriate for younger children. Please use your best judgement.
  5. Please be respectful of the artifacts and do not touch anything. Pictures are allowed.

Contact the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum

6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818
Email the armory.
View in Google Maps || Get directions

The armory serves as the Varnum Continental’s headquarters and contains an extensive Military & Naval Museum. There are ample facilities for private and public functions. It has a large drill hall (40 x 110) capable of seating several hundred, as well as a dining room, meeting rooms, a balcony display area, and several offices. 


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!


[MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

March 5, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

On Monday, March 20, Varnum Armory Vice President Maria Vazquez is the featured speaker for our monthly members meeting. Her presentation, “A Brief History of Anchors and the Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor,” will give an account of the history of anchors, how they developed, and how they were used. The presentation will continue with Maria’s insight into the thought and research that went into conserving an anchor from the USS Constellation, a sloop-of-war ship.

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

  • [MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor
  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!

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