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You are here: Home / Archives for Elisha Hunt Rhodes

[NOV. 14 DINNER MEETING] The journey to publication of the diary and story of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, 2nd RI Volunteers

November 9, 2016 By James Mitchell Varnum

Elisha Hunt Rhodes of Cranston, RI
Elisha Hunt Rhodes

One of the finest Civil War soldier’s diaries ever written was compiled by Elisha Hunt Rhodes of Cranston, RI. First published in 1985 by Andrew Mowbray of Lincoln, RI, under the title of “A History of the 2nd RI Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Great Rebellion”, the remarkable story of Rhodes’ four years in the Army of the Potomac became nationally known as a result of the popular Ken Burns documentary film The Civil War in 1990. But the diary’s publication – and Burns’ discovery of it – may not have happened without a chance visit to an antiques shop in Walpole, NH, by Dr. Walter Powell in the winter of 1984. That story, and a look at Colonel Rhodes extraordinary career, is the topic of our November program.

Dr. Walter Powell
Dr. Walter Powell

About the speaker: Dr. Walter Powell has served as the Executive Director of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants since July 2013. Prior to coming to Plymouth, he had a long career in historic preservation, including 17 years as Director of Planning and Historic Preservation for the Borough of Gettysburg, PA, where he directed the restoration of the Gettysburg Railroad Station, and served as historian on the restoration of the historic David Willis House, where President Abraham Lincoln completed the Gettysburg Address. Dr. Powell has several Civil War publications to his credit, including “Connecticut Yankees at Gettysburg“ and “Letters from the Storm: The Intimate Civil War Letters of Lt. J.A.H. Foster, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers”.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: A traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings (pumpkin pie, too)!
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Filed Under: Speaking Program Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, Elisha Hunt Rhodes, Ken Burns, speaker program, speaking program, Varnum Membership, varnum memorial armory, Walter Powell

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

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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