Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”
Watch this episode of “State of the State”, where host Richard August interviews Varnum Continentals President Patrick Donovan about moving of two American Civil War cannons from the Rhode Island State House to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, where they are now on display for the public.
Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon
It took some work at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, but the Bull Run cannon’s gun tube is finally free of packed trash. We tried compressed air and plumbing augers, but what worked (with a lot of effort) was an American Civil War-period artillery worm! An unconventional use of an historic artifact, perhaps, but it got the job done.
Battle Damage to the Gettysburg Gun of Battery B
Check out the visible battle damage on the right wheel of the Gettysburg Gun of Battery B (1st Rhode Island Light Artillery). The Gettysburg (and Bull Run) guns are installed at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! We can now see these incredible relics see other interesting details from their time in the American Civil War.
Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on Exhibit at the Varnum Armory
The Gettysburg and Bull Run guns are safely installed at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum! Thanks to the help of numerous volunteers, we can now see these incredible relics in in good lighting and be able to walk around them to see the extensive battle damage from their time in the American Civil War.
Garment/Uniform Preservation at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
Some “new” garments and uniforms have arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for professional preservation. These include an 1863 contract New York National Guard jacket, an American Civil War medical service officers uniform, a very cool 71st Regiment New York State Militia canteen, and some leather gauntlets.
[MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor
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.
Calligraphy Art of William Henry Pratt
This is an engraving from 1865 where a calligrapher cleverly shaded their penmanship to create a facsimile of Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington using the words of the U.S. Constitution.
Thomas W. Chace’s certificate of appreciation for service in the United Train of Artillery militia
This is East Greenwich resident Thomas W. Chace’s certificate of appreciation for his service in the United Train of Artillery militia as he took command of the 4th Brigade of the Rhode Island Militia in September 1872. The intricacy and workmanship is amazing! This item is on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.
Second Tintype of Rhode Island American Civil War Veteran
Amazingly, a second tintype of Lyman Aylesworth (1st Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War) has been found; this time on horseback in the field with his saber drawn. This is a fantastic image even without the ID of Aylesworth. The frame is identical to the other tintype in our possession. A dealer had […]
[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum exhibit that features the battle-scarred Bible and other artifacts belonging to Rhode Island Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner (Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery) tells a story of sacrifice and devotion to a higher cause. The Bible served as Gardner’s private journal, in which he made observations […]