Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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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

[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.

Recent Posts

  • [DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
  • Varnum Armory Bathroom Renovation!
  • Watch the Varnum Armory on Rhode Island Wave!

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