Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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You are here: Home / Archives for 19th century

[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.

Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor
Maria Vazquez and the USS Constellation Anchor

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Maria Vazquez

Maria Vazquez has a Master’s degree in Textile Conservation from the University of Rhode Island. She has appeared on multiple PBS specials, including one documenting the conservation she performed on the oldest, and most complete, flag in North America, the Byfield Flag. She is currently Vice President of the Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich, RI, and works full-time as the Collections Manager for the Naval War College Museum in Newport, RI.

This event is for Varnum Members only! (You can join here!)

Reservations are required.

RSVP by NOON Friday, December 9. Please note: Our new online reservation system gives you the option to pay in advance when you make your reservation. For all inquiries send us an email.

VARNUM MEMBERS … Click here to RSVP!

When: Monday, March 20, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program).
Where: Varnum Armory, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Menu: Chicken Marsala, rice pilaf, veggies, salad, dessert and coffee
Fee: $25

Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, Navy, speaker program, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Calligraphy Art of William Henry Pratt

August 21, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

We’ve walked past this artwork at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for years without giving it much thought (believing it was 1990s computer-generated dot art). Boy, were we wrong…

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. Here is a description of one in the collection at Mt. Vernon:

“During the 19th century, America’s founding documents – the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence – inspired numerous artists and publishers to produce decorative versions, suitable for framing and display. In this calligraphy portrait, the artist has cleverly shaded the words of the Constitution and amendments, so that George Washington’s face emerges from the text.

Washington’s likeness is based on Gilbert Stuart’s popular ‘Athenaeum’ portrait, originally painted in 1796 and widely copied in paintings, prints, textiles, china, and the dollar bill. Washington’s name also appears, as a signer, at the center edge of his coat collar, about half-way down the white cravat.

The text ends with the 13th amendment’s prohibition of slavery, suggesting a creation date shortly after 1865, but before the passage of the 14th amendment in mid-1866 or its ratification in 1868. Notably, Washington’s portrait did not make its first debut on the dollar bill until 1869.

The artist, William Henry Pratt (1822-1893), was a professor of penmanship in Davenport, Iowa, and the first curator of that city’s Academy of Natural Sciences. He collaborated with the Davenport lithography firm of August Hageboeck on at least three other calligraphy portraits: Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, Washington and the Declaration of Independence, and Ulysses Grant and the Republican Party platform of 1868.”

BOOK A TOUR AT THE VARNUM MEMORIAL ARMORY MUSEUM!

Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington
Pratt Calligraphy Art of Washington

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Thomas W. Chace’s certificate of appreciation for service in the United Train of Artillery militia

April 4, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Certificate of appreciation from 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.

Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia
Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia
Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia
Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia
Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia
Certificate of appreciation from the United Train of Artillery militia

 

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Second Tintype of Rhode Island American Civil War Veteran

April 2, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Lyman Aylesworth (1st Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War)
Lyman Aylesworth (1st Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War)

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 both images together and had sold them separately not knowing they were identified to anyone specifically.

This incredible image will soon be on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum along with his uniform, sword, and other accoutrements.

Thank you, Adam Ochs Fleischer, for getting it to us!

Lyman Aylesworth (1st Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War)
Lyman Aylesworth (1st Rhode Island Cavalry in the US Civil War)

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, cavalry, civil war, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner

February 6, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Alfred G. Gardner
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 and recorded his thoughts. Private Gardner witnessed some of the most epic and horrific events of the American Civil War, including Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredricksburg, and Gettysburg, where he was killed in action while manning his gun. Now known as the Gettysburg Gun, this important relic is on display at the Rhode Island Statehouse.

At our February 11 meeting, the Varnum Continentals welcome Phil DiMaria and Ray Pedro, both of Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery, as they tell Private Gardner’s emotional and inspiring story. Come early and take time to see the artifacts and Gardner Bible before the presentation.

Please RSVP by 5:30 pm Friday, February 8 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, February 11
Time: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Dinner Menu: Bacon-wrapped filet, baked potato bar, green beans almondine, Caesar salad, coffee and dessert
Fee: $20/person

Alfred G. Gardner bible
Alfred G. Gardner bible

Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, museum exhibit, speaker program, Varnum Membership, varnum memorial armory

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[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.

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