Varnum Continentals

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[JANUARY DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: John McNiff, Roger Williams National Memorial

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John McNiff, a Ranger with the National Park Service at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence
John McNiff, a Ranger with the National Park Service at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence

The Varnum Continentals welcome John McNiff, a Ranger with the National Park Service at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, 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.

Mr. 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 FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, to Scott Seaback at 401/413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, January 11
Time: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
Location: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum
Dinner Menu: Italian Buffet
Fee: $15/person

[DECEMBER DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Tim Gray of the World War II Foundation

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Tim Grey, Chairman of the WWII Foundation
Tim Grey, Chairman of the WWII Foundation

We are honored to welcome Tim Gray (Chairman of the World War II Foundation and national award-winning documentary film maker) as our guest speaker at the December 2015 Varnum Members Meeting.

The World War II Foundation is one of the world’s leading non-profit organizations committed to educating future generations about the personal stories of the WWII generation. The World War II Foundation accomplishes this mission through the production of award-winning documentary films that are donated to American Public Television for airing on PBS affiliates and networks around the United States and globally.

Gray has produced 15 documentaries to date on the personal stories of the World War II generation. Two additional documentaries are slated for 2016 release.

Tim Gray is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in journalism. He has worked as a reporter and sports and news anchor across the country, including a 4-year assignment (2000 – 2004) as weekend sports anchor and sports/news reporter at WJAR (Channel 10) in Providence.

Please RSVP by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, to Scott Seaback at 401/413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

THIS EVENT IS FOR VARNUM MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS.
RSVP BY FRIDAY, 12/11/15.

LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, East Greenwich, RI
MEETING DATE: Monday, December 14
TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
DINNER MENU: Steak & chicken tips, potatoes, vegetables, salad, rolls & butter, coffee, and pastries
FEE: $15/person

[SPEAKING PROGRAM] November Varnum Member Dinner & Speaking Program Features Brian Wallin: “Edson F. Gallaudet — A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer”

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Edson F. Gallaudet -- A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer
Edson F. Gallaudet — A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO VARNUM MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS.

Drive north of East Greenwich along Post Road, and you’ll see a handsome white-shingled house on the corner of Alger Avenue. It is all that remains of the Gallaudet Aircraft Company, brainchild of Edson Fessenden Gallaudet, a Rhode Island aviation pioneer. Varnum Trustee Brian Wallin brings Gallaudet’s story and its impact on modern flight to our November 2015 meeting.

Edson Gallaudet, a member of the RI Aviation Hall of Fame, is credited with the invention of the warped wing, which was used by the Wright Brothers. He went on to invent an unusual, gear-driven propulsion system for powered aircraft. Gallaudet brought his company from Connecticut to Rhode Island in 1915 and set up shop on Chepiwanoxet Island, eventually employing nearly 1000 people in manufacturing his sleek seaplane designs for the US Army and Navy during World War I. After the war, business declined and the company could no longer survive, despite some interesting attempts.

Gallaudet’s vision lasted just about a decade. He sold his interest in the factory (there is a surprising twist to that part of the story). The plant was used for a variety of ventures until the property was ultimately destroyed by hurricanes in 1954 and 1960. Today, the land is a nature preserve operated by the City of Warwick and the Warwick Conservation Commission.

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, is the November 2015 guest speaker for the Varnum Continentals.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, is the November 2015 guest speaker for the Varnum Continentals.

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, worked in Hartford, Providence, and Boston while contributing to ABC, CBS, and NBC news. He also covered the America’s Cup yacht races from 1967-83 for CBS Sports and the 2UE Network in Australia. After 20 years in broadcast journalism, Brian became a hospital management executive, serving in senior leadership roles in MA and MD before returning to RI in the 1990s. He served as Vice President of South County and Kent Hospitals, retiring in 2009. He remains active on several hospital committees. In addition to his writing and freelance voice-over work, Brian is an avid model ship builder and guitarist. He has been a member of the Varnum Continentals since 2009 and a Trustee since 2012.

IMPORTANT: Please RSVP by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, November 9, 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
Fee: $15/person

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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