Piece of USS Constitution (Old Ironsides)
Here’s another small (but fascinating) piece of history tucked away in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This is a piece of the famed US Frigate “Constitution”, known as “Old Ironsides” for its defeat of five British warships during the War of 1812. The piece was owned by Rear Admiral John R. Bartlett of Lonsdale, RI, […]
[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 […]
Model 1885 Cavalry Officer’s Great Coat with Cape
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a Model 1885 Cavalry Officer’s great coat with cape. It’s in remarkable condition. It was loaned to us in 1939 by General Glines. It was used by the Rhode Island State Cavalry Guard.
Before and After: H.V. Allen’s Kentish Guard uniform jacket
Here are some before and after images of Varnum Continental’s founding member H.V. Allen’s Kentish Guard uniform jacket from 1900. This job required painters tape, a special vacuum, gentle handwashing in Woolite, and about 5 hours of time. Now the jacket is clean and brighter. Despite the moth damage, it should display nicely at the […]
Billy helps out at the Varnum Memorial Armory
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we really enjoy giving tours to different groups of special needs kids who are fascinated with military history. Today, one of the Armory’s most ardent fans, Billy, visited with a friend and his mother to help us clean some artifacts. He’s very knowledgeable and taught me a lot today. […]
World War I records belonging to James Andrew Clark of Rhode Island
The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum has become a place where Rhode Island military history is saved from the dust bin of time. This often includes saving the records detailing the more mundane and low-key types of service to our country. Not everyone was in combat. Not everyone was heroic. Not everyone made decisions and actions […]
1903 Rhode Island First Light Infantry (Company D) Glass
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a Rhode Island First Light Infantry (Company D) glass from 1903. This Rhode Island Militia (RIM) group supplied a lot of men to fight in State regiments and the RIM. It was the predecessor of the Rhode Island National Guard.
Smith & Wesson Victory Model 10 Revolver
This Smith & Wesson Victory Model 10 revolver was recently donated to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. The Varnum Memorial Armory’s revolver is a .38 Smith & Wesson. More research is forthcoming. The Smith and Wesson Model 10, produced during World War II, had a “V” for Victory prefix in the serial number. Smith and […]
[APR. 9 DINNER MEETING] Patrick Donovan on U.S. Civil War Battle of New Bern
At our April Members’ Dinner Meeting, Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan will tell the story of the Civil War Battle of New Bern that took place early in the U.S. Civil War on March 14, 1862. Patrick will discuss the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers‘ important and heroic role in the attack to capture […]
Thomas Ives’ U.S. Civil War Ship Flags
Our Varnum Memorial Armory Curator, Patrick Donovan, was reading a first-hand account of the 4th Rhode Island Volunteers at the Battle of New Bern in the U.S. Civil War, and came across the names of the ship captains who made up the naval force accompanying the expeditionary force. He faintly recognized one of the names: […]