Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[DEC. 10 DINNER MEETING] Christian McBurney: The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)

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Christian McBurney
Christian McBurney

The Battle of Rhode Island, in August 1778, was a key element of the Rhode Island Campaign, the first French and American Operation in the American Revolutionary War. This year marked the 240th anniversary of this confrontation between colonial and British forces on Aquidneck Island. Our Monday, December 10 speaker, Christian McBurney, will share 12 new maps he created for this lecture detailing this underrated, yet important battle.

An independent historian, author, and lecturer on the colonial era in Rhode Island, Christian McBurney has written numerous books and articles for various historical publications. He is the editor and publisher of the online journal of Rhode Island history: smallstatebighistory.com. With fellow Varnum Continentals member Brian Wallin, Christian is also the co-author of “World War Two Rhode Island,” published by History Press. Born and raised in South Kingstown, he earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and is a partner in a Washington, D.C. law firm. He frequently returns to Rhode Island to lecture and visit family.

Reservations must be received by 5:30 pm Friday, December 7. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (Steamship Round Carved Beef Dinner)

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Revolutionary War Rhode Island United Train of Artillery leather cap

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Our Rhode Island United Train of Artillery leather cap (worn during the Revolution by Benajah Carpenter) has safely returned to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia,PA.

Carpenter was killed in action at the Battle of Long Island presumably while wearing it. One of the rarest and historically most significant objects in our collection, the hat is one of only a very small handful of U.S. military hats from the Revolutionary War that survive today.

“For our Country” and, in Latin, “In God We Hope” adorns the front of the wavy bill. This is an American treasure and the Varnum Continentals are happy to have shared it with tens of thousands of people from across the nation.

  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
  • Rhode Island's United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)
    Rhode Island’s United Train of Artillery leather cap (American Revolutionary War)

[JUNE 11 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum

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Varnum House Museum

On Monday, June 11, 2018, the Varnum members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and tour the historic 1773 Varnum House. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken, dessert, and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus a choice of beverages.

Tours of Varnum House Museum will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Be among the first to see the interior of the house after its latest round of restorations. As always, your guests are welcome. The event will go on rain or shine.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, June 8. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (come early and tour the museum!)
LOCATION: Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce Street, East Greenwich 02818. (<— Google Maps link)
FEE: $10 including dinner (soft drinks, beer, and wine included)

This is our last members’ meeting of the season; no meetings in July and August. See you in September!

Varnum House Museum Open for Tours in 2018!

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Varnum House Museum
Varnum House Museum

The Varnum House Museum is open for tours during the summer season!

Come visit us in June, July, and August on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Contact the the Varnum House Museum by calling 401-884-1776 or email house@varnumcontinentals.org.

[MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum

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James Mitchell Varnum
James Mitchell Varnum

Join us on Monday, May 14 as John Duchesneau, past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and fellow Varnum Continentals member, takes us back in time for a look at our organization’s namesake, General James Mitchell Varnum. Although many of us may be familiar with the General’s background and his historic contributions to our fight for Independence, there are always some new things to learn about Varnum’s distinguished career. Our newer members will especially enjoy this presentation. Born in 1748, Varnum packed a lot into his 41 years of life. He was not only a recognized and respected member of the legal profession; he became one of George Washington’s most trusted officers.

John Duchesneau is a Connecticut native and a 1984 graduate of Providence College. In 1991, he moved to Newport, RI, where he soon became involved with Fort Adams where over a 10-year period he conducted more than 2,500 tours of this historic military facility. John is a member of the Artillery Company of Newport and was appointed its sergeant major in 2004. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of Foreign Wars, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Between 2000 and 2010, he served on four deployments with the Rhode Island National Guard. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, two awards of the Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. John is presently a Veteran Service Representative with the Providence Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, May 11. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (BBQ ribs, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, corn bread, and watermelon sorbet)

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.

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