Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[NOV 13 DINNER MEETING] Dr. Maury Klein on Sumpter, Secession, and the Election of Abraham Lincoln as the Last Major Event Leading to the U.S. Civil War

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U.S. Civil War historian Maury Klein
U.S. Civil War historian Maury Klein

On Monday, November 13, URI Professor Emeritus Maury Klein, a nationally-noted author and historian, will take us through the events preceding the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. The president’s arrival in the White House marked the climax of a decade-long struggle that threatened to tear the nation apart, setting in motion a chain of events that led to the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War in 1861. His talk will be taken from aspects of his 1997 book “Days of Defiance: Secession, Slavery and the Civil War.” Dr. Klein will look at the reasons why this most disastrous of outcomes was not and perhaps could not have been avoided.

Tennessee native Maury Klein earned his B.A. degree from Knox College in 1960 and his MA and PhD from Emory University. He joined the University of Rhode Island faculty in 1964 and remained there until his retirement in 2008. He was named a full professor of history in 1973. Dr. Klein states that, once deciding on a teaching career, he majored in history because it gave him the most freedom of subject matter in the classroom. Dr. Klein is the author of 18 books, articles in numerous magazines and scholarly journals, and contributions to blogs on a wide variety of subjects in American history. His published works range from military history to American business and the rail-road industry. Among his many awards is an Emmy for Best Writing for a Documentary entitled “Railroad Man: The Life and Legend of Jay Gould.” In 2011 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

As always, your guests are welcome. Come early and see some of the new U.S. Civil War artifacts exhibited at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, November 10. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 pm (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Traditional turkey dinner, dessert and coffee.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person including dinner

[MEMBERS ONLY] SEPTEMBER GUEST SPEAKER: Frank J. Williams, Lincoln Scholar & Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of RI

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ONLY VARNUM CONTINENTAL MEMBERS MAY ATTEND THIS EVENT!
TO JOIN, JUST CLICK HERE.

Frank J. Williams is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, a notable Abraham Lincoln scholar and author, and a Justice on the Military Commission Review Panel.
Frank J. Williams is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, a notable Abraham Lincoln scholar and author, and a Justice on the Military Commission Review Panel.

The Varnum Continentals welcome Frank J. Williams, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, as the guest speaker at our September dinner meeting at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Williams is one of the country’s most renowned experts on Abraham Lincoln and has authored numerous books on our 16th president, including “Lincoln as Hero” and “Judging Lincoln”. He has also contributed chapters to and/or edited several other books on Lincoln. He is founding Chair of The Lincoln Forum, and served as President of The Ulysses S. Grant Association and as a member of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

A native of Richmond, RI, Mr. Williams is a graduate of Cranston East High School and received degrees from Boston University, BU School of Law, and Bryant University. He served as a captain in the US Army in the 1960s, and was awarded numerous medals and commendations for his military service. He was appointed to the RI Supreme Court in 1995 and became Chief Justice is 2001. He has also served as Chief Judge of the US Court of Military Commission Review.  Since stepping down from the Rhode Island Supreme Court at the end of 2009, he has lectured at universities and institutes throughout the country.

Please join us for what promises to be a most informative meeting.  As always, your guests of members are welcome.  Thanks to Varnum Member Larry McDonald for arranging for the speaker.

Meeting Date: Monday, September 14
Time: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
Fee: $15/person

ONLY VARNUM CONTINENTAL MEMBERS MAY ATTEND THIS EVENT!
TO JOIN, JUST CLICK HERE.

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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