[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster
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.
[APR. 11 DINNER MEETING] Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin speaking on “Jamestown and the Military”
Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin leads our return to monthly member meetings with a presentation on “Jamestown and the Military.” Incorporated in 1678, Jamestown has a long, diverse military history. From early colonial days into the 20th century, Jamestown has experienced occupation (and devastation) by the British during the American Revolution, as well as U.S. Civil War encampments, major coastal fortifications, highly classified military research and communications facilities, and even a pair of top-secret World War II German POW camps.
[CANCELLED] Naval War College Museum and Varnum Armory Special Lecture, “The Lucky Few: The Story of the USS Kirk” with Commander Hugh J. Doyle, USN
On Sunday, March 29, the Naval War College Museum and Varnum Memorial Armory Museum will hold a special program in honor of 2020 Vietnam War Veterans Day. The event will be hosted at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818. A showing of the documentary, “The Lucky Few: The Story of the USS Kirk” will begin at 3:00 PM and will be followed by a question and answer session with CDR Hugh J. Doyle, USN (Ret.), former Chief Engineer of the USS Kirk during the Fall of Saigon.
[APR. 8 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on “Dutch Island Then and Now”
From its earliest inhabitants (possibly as far back as 12,000 years ago) up to modern times, 55-acre Dutch Island in the center of the Narragansett Bay’s west passage, has played an interesting role. From Italian explorer Giovanni deVerrazano‘s first visit to the bay in 1524, to the arrival of the Dutch in the early 17th […]
[FEB. 11 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: P. DiMaria and R. Pedro on RI Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum exhibit that features the battle-scarred Bible and other artifacts belonging to Rhode Island Civil War soldier Private Alfred G. Gardner (Battery B First Rhode Island Light Artillery) tells a story of sacrifice and devotion to a higher cause. The Bible served as Gardner’s private journal, in which he made observations […]
[JAN. 14 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff on the 1772 Gaspee Affair
The Varnum Continentals welcome John McNiff as our guest speaker at the January Varnum Members Meeting on Monday, January 11, 2016. This dinner is open to Varnum Members and their guests, and is held at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum at 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI. McNiff has created and presented numerous programs and […]
[DEC. 10 DINNER MEETING] Christian McBurney: The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)
The Battle of Rhode Island, in August 1778, was a key element of the Rhode Island Campaign, the first French and American Operation in the American Revolutionary War. This year marked the 240th anniversary of this confrontation between colonial and British forces on Aquidneck Island. Our Monday, December 10 speaker, Christian McBurney, will share 12 […]
[NOV. 12 DINNER MEETING] Major General Christopher Callahan: Modernization of the National Guard
On Monday, November 12, we welcome The Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island, Major General Christopher Callahan, as our guest speaker. In a timely presentation as our nation and the world observe the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I, General Callahan will speak about the modernization of the National Guard […]
[JUNE 11 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum
On Monday, June 11, 2018, the Varnum members’ meeting will be held on the grounds of the Varnum House Museum. It’s a chance to kick back, enjoy the gardens, and tour the historic 1773 Varnum House. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ grilled chicken, dessert, and all the staples of a summer cook-out will be served, plus […]
[MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum
Join us on Monday, May 14 as John Duchesneau, past president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and fellow Varnum Continentals member, takes us back in time for a look at our organization’s namesake, General James Mitchell Varnum. Although many of us may be familiar with the General’s background […]