Bible of Alfred G. Gardner, American Civil War Hero
Another stunning and important Rhode Island historical artifact has been loaned to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: the bible of Private Alfred G. Gardner of Battery B, 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, killed in action at Gettysburg, PA, on July 3rd, 1863 while manning his gun (now referred to as the “Gettysburg Gun”). This battle-scarred […]
Before and After: U.S. Civil War Forage Cap
There’s no such thing as a lost cause … Most would consider this U.S. Civil War 10th Rhode Island forage cap at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum a lost cause. It was infested with moth larvae, mold, and had not been stored properly for many years. After giving it a lot of care, it is […]
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
This frock coat was worn by Brigadier General Francis Marion Cockrell. Recognized as one of the finest military commanders in the American Civil War on both sides of the war, he gained fame during the Siege of Vicksburg and, following promotions to brigadier general in 1863, went on to fight in the Atlanta Campaign and […]
American Civil War Tin Type of Rhode Island’s James Winterbottom
This American Civil War tin type photograph at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum shows North Smithfield native Private James Winterbottom of Troop C of the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry. He enlisted on August 4, 1861 and served until December 1864. He must have seen a lot of action including the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Second […]
Books: 1852 “Pictorial Life of George Washington” and an 1885 “Barner’s Brief History of the United States”
Here’s another great donation to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s collection: an 1852 edition of a “Pictorial Life of George Washington” and an 1885 “Barner’s Brief History of the United States”. Fantastic images in both books! Thank you Joanne and Mike Breslin!
Daguerreotype of Private Cyrus H. Brackett, 1st Rhode Island Cavalry
This photograph at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum shows Private Cyrus H. Brackett. Born in Acton, Maine, 20-year-old Cyrus Brackett enlisted in the First New England Cavalry as a resident of Dover, NH on October 12th 1861. He was mustered into Co. K on October 24th. Comprised of one battalion of New Hampshire men and […]
A Civil War Angel of Mercy: Katherine Prescott Wormeley
In the early days of the American Civil War, few military officers knew or cared much about the medical care rendered to their men although organized medical departments existed in both the Union and Confederate Armies. However, the South suffered from a lack of resources throughout the war. Military doctors varied in their qualifications from […]
American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum… The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated […]
Civil War Tintype of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles
A new tintype photograph is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It is an image of 2nd Lt. John K. Knowles of Co. A in the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers. He enlisted on 14 August 1861 serving at New Bern, (possibly) Antietam, and Fredricksburg. He was killed in action at the Battle […]
Varnum Continentals help preserve 1843 militia flag in North Kingstown
The Varnum Continentals are providing assistance in saving yet another Rhode Island historical treasure. This time, it’s a rare and beautiful, hand-painted, silk 1843 militia flag currently in storage at the North Kingstown Free Library. The flag will be professionally conserved and mounted for display at a site to be determined. The militia unit depicted […]