Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[JAN. 14 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff on the 1772 Gaspee Affair

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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 lectures about Roger Williams, co-founder founder of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and early proponent of religious freedom. He has consulted, worked on, and appeared in several films about the Colonial period, with a special focus on the early Colonial history of Rhode Island. Here’s a sample from YouTube!

John McNiff is a Rhode Island native. Raised in Warwick, he attended Rhode Island College and received his BA in History with a minor in Anthropology in 1979. After studying archaeology in England and working on numerous archaeological projects throughout New England, he received his MA in Anthropology, specializing in archaeology, in 1990 from SUNY Binghamton. In 1996 John began working with the National Park Service and in 1997 was stationed as a Park Ranger at the Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street in Providence.

Please RSVP by 5:30 PM on Friday, January 11, to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, January 14, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation).
Time: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
Dinner Menu: Italian dinner: stuffed shells, eggplant Parmesan, sausage, potatoes, peppers & onions, antipasto, Italian bread, coffee and spumoni
Fee: $20/person

[DEC. 10 DINNER MEETING] Christian McBurney: The Battle of Rhode Island (1778)

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Christian McBurney
Christian McBurney

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 new maps he created for this lecture detailing this underrated, yet important battle.

An independent historian, author, and lecturer on the colonial era in Rhode Island, Christian McBurney has written numerous books and articles for various historical publications. He is the editor and publisher of the online journal of Rhode Island history: smallstatebighistory.com. With fellow Varnum Continentals member Brian Wallin, Christian is also the co-author of “World War Two Rhode Island,” published by History Press. Born and raised in South Kingstown, he earned his undergraduate degree at Brown University and is a partner in a Washington, D.C. law firm. He frequently returns to Rhode Island to lecture and visit family.

Reservations must be received by 5:30 pm Friday, December 7. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (Steamship Round Carved Beef Dinner)

Books by Christian M. McBurney

Christian M. McBurney is an independent historian who has written several books about the American Revolutionary War (several focusing on Rhode Island). He is an attorney in a Washington, D.C. law firm and resides in Kensington, Maryland. In addition, he is is the editor and publisher of the website “Small State, Big History,” the online review of Rhode Island History.

CoverTitle
The Rhode Island Campaign McBurney"The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
Abductions in the American Revolution Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders by Christian M McBurney"Kidnapping the Enemy: The Special Operations to Capture Generals Charles Lee and Richard Prescott" by Christian M. McBurney
"World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Brian L Wallin, Patrick T Conley
"Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders" by Christian M. McBurney
"Untold Stories from World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Norman Desmarais, Varoujan Karentz
"George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
"Spies in Revolutionary Rhode Island" by Christian M McBurney

[NOV. 12 DINNER MEETING] Major General Christopher Callahan: Modernization of the National Guard

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Major General Christopher Callahan
Major General Christopher Callahan

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 and where we are 17 years post-9/11. His talk will touch upon the current mission of the Guard and working with employers of US soldiers and airmen to better understand their mission.

General Callahan has served as The Adjutant General of Rhode Island since July 2015. Immediately prior to that, he served as Brigade Commander, 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island National Guard, East Greenwich, RI. He received a Bachelor of Science, Communications, from Fitchburg State College in 1986 and in 2008, a Master of Arts, National Security and Strategic Studies, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania United States Army War College.

Reservations must be received by 5:30 pm Friday, November 9. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner)

[JUNE 11 DINNER MEETING] Cookout at the Varnum House Museum

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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 a choice of beverages.

Tours of Varnum House Museum will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Be among the first to see the interior of the house after its latest round of restorations. As always, your guests are welcome. The event will go on rain or shine.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, June 8. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 PM to 8:00 pm (come early and tour the museum!)
LOCATION: Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce Street, East Greenwich 02818. (<— Google Maps link)
FEE: $10 including dinner (soft drinks, beer, and wine included)

This is our last members’ meeting of the season; no meetings in July and August. See you in September!

[MAY 14 DINNER MEETING] John Duchesneau on the Life and Times of General James Mitchell Varnum

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James Mitchell Varnum
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 and his historic contributions to our fight for Independence, there are always some new things to learn about Varnum’s distinguished career. Our newer members will especially enjoy this presentation. Born in 1748, Varnum packed a lot into his 41 years of life. He was not only a recognized and respected member of the legal profession; he became one of George Washington’s most trusted officers.

John Duchesneau is a Connecticut native and a 1984 graduate of Providence College. In 1991, he moved to Newport, RI, where he soon became involved with Fort Adams where over a 10-year period he conducted more than 2,500 tours of this historic military facility. John is a member of the Artillery Company of Newport and was appointed its sergeant major in 2004. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Military Order of Foreign Wars, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Between 2000 and 2010, he served on four deployments with the Rhode Island National Guard. He has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, two awards of the Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal. John is presently a Veteran Service Representative with the Providence Regional Office of the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Reservations for this dinner must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, May 11. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20 including dinner (BBQ ribs, pulled pork, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, corn bread, and watermelon sorbet)

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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