Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Archives for flags

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] American Civil War Flag Restoration Project

January 25, 2020 By James Mitchell Varnum

We now have six historic, hand-painted silk flags from the Burnside Memorial Building in Bristol, RI, that have been transferred to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for evaluation and conservation.

Having been housed at Burnside since 1883, the flags are believed to be associated with General Ambrose Burnside‘s American Civil War service. Although in poor condition, they can be made displayable again through a painstakingly tedious conservation process (with the generous and valuable help of Maria Vazquez). We plan to unfurl them for the first time in many decades in early February 2020 after carefully humidifying the silk.

We’re excited, proud, and honored to be saving and sharing Rhode Island’s fascinating history, heritage, and culture. Kudos to the Town of Bristol for working with us on this important project.

To help with this amazing project, Andy Santilli built a massive work table in the Varnum Armory’s new archival preservation space to give us the space needed to do the Bristol flag conservation project at the armory. Thank you!

  • Maria examining the flags.
  • Wrapped Burnside flags.
  • Flags under inspection at the Varnum Armory.
  • Wrapped Burnside flags.
  • Bristol War Veterans Honor Roll Garden
  • Burnside Building, Bristol, RI
  • Flags being removed from the Burnside Building.
  • American Civil War memorial in Bristol, RI

Filed Under: Historic Preservation, Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: American Civil War, flags, historic preservation

New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum!

August 15, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

We’ve been a bit flag challenged at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for quite a while now due to old and worn out equipment.  We’re happy to report that new flags have been re-mounted to the front of the armory museum with new hardware (along with solar-powered lights to keep them illuminated without wasting electricity).

Special thanks go to Varnum Trustees Brian Wallin and Patrick Donovan who (along with several volunteers) procured the equipment and mounted everything to the armory. It looks great!

Would you like to help preserve history in both the Varnum Memorial Armory and Varnum House Museum? Click here to join the Varnum Continentals!

New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, East Greenwich, RI.
New Flags at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, East Greenwich, RI.

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory, Varnum Volunteers Tagged With: flags, varnum memorial armory, volunteer

Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!

November 28, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Celebrate General James Mitchel Varnum’s 275th Birthday at the Varnum House Museum’s Colonial Yuletide Open House (Sunday, December 17, 2023)

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

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

Recent Posts

  • Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!
  • [FREE LECTURE] “German Soldiers in Rhode Island, 1776 to 1779” by Dr. Friederike Baer
  • [EVENTS] Old Colony History Museum in Taunton, MA, host two events of interest to Varnums and history buffs

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