Varnum Armory Front Entrance Remodeled!
We’ve made a lot of improvements to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum’s front entrance. Varnum Member Andrew Barkley has rebuilt our original circa-1920s sign board and repainted the green door trim. It looks great. Thanks so much, Andrew!
American Civil War Drum from the American Brass Band of Rhode Island
Another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum… The American Brass Band of Rhode Island was formed as a state-chartered military band in 1837 with Joseph C. Greene as its leader. The drum was donated to the band by the First Light Infantry of Rhode Island in 1845. In 1853, the band was incorporated […]
U.S. Civil War canteen carried by Dan Sullivan (2nd Rhode Island Volunteers)
Another wonderful addition to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a canteen carried by a Daniel Sullivan of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers from 1862 to 1864 during the American Civil War. Dan Sullivan of Providence (and later Pawtucket), Rhode Island, enlisted on August 21,1862 at North Providence as a Private in the 2nd Rhode Island […]
Varnum Armory Function Hall for your Next Event!
If you need a versatile event space, then look no further than the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum‘s function hall (40 feet by 110 feet), the armory can accommodate events ranging from a few individuals up to 200 people. The images in this gallery show a Bar Mitzvah with an Alice in Wonderland theme. In the […]
Remembering Those Who Served: The East Greenwich World War I Memorial
How many times have you driven down Main Street past the East Greenwich Town Hall and noticed the handsome stone and bronze memorial on the front lawn? Ever wondered how it got there and what it represents? This gracefully-aging monument commemorates the World War I service of 183 East Greenwich residents who responded to the […]
[APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] “My Poor Boys…ALL Are Gone!”: The First Rhode Island Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign
At the Varnum Members’ Meeting (on Monday, April 10, 2017), Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan tells the story of the First Rhode Island Cavalry and their important role in the Gettysburg Campaign of June 1863. As Confederate General Robert E. Lee began to execute his daring plan to invade the North with his […]
U.S. Civil War Secession Flag taken by 1st Rhode Island Infantry
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have a piece of a U.S. Civil War secession flag taken at Hagerstown by one of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Infantry (originally the 1st Rhode Island Detached Militia) and presented to “Geo M Ladd by Chas E Douglas USA July 6th 1861”. This has to […]
150 Year-Old U.S. Civil War Hardtack
Here we have a unique item on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a 152+yr old piece of U.S. Civil War hardtack, the staple food ration for Union soldiers throughout the war. This simple and sturdy cracker made of flour, water, and salt could be easily carried and last seemingly forever. Issued 9 to […]
[MAR. 13 DINNER MEETING] Greenwich Bay Brass Performs at March Meeting
We’re in for a treat for the March 13th Varnum Continentals Members Meeting: a live performance by the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass, a British-style brass ensemble. This all-volunteer group includes both professional and accomplished amateur musicians. The ensemble typically performs with 10 to 12 musicians, about half the size of a full British brass band, […]
[FEB. 20 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Brian Wallin: “Down to the Sea by Rail – Short Rail Lines of Rhode Island”
Unfortunately, the the Rhode Island-based Greenwich Bay Brass could not accommodate the new member dinner date (Monday, February 20). But we have a brilliant replacement speaker! Our February meeting will feature historian, author, lecturer and Varnum Trustee Brian L. Wallin, who will take us back in time for a richly illustrated, and sometimes humorous, ride “Down to the Sea […]