Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.
On Sunday, July 23, the Varnum Continentals hosted an open house at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. It was great to see folks visit with us and take tours of our military museum (including several young history enthusiasts). The next two Armory open house events will take place on:
— Sunday, August 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
— Thursday, August 24 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
At the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, we have this uniform that was worn by Lance Cpl. Robert w. Cottenier, 21, of Warwick, RI. He was the son of Mildred (Landy) and Marcel Cottenier. He graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 1966 and worked at Apex before joining the Marines. He was killed in action from gunshot wounds to the chest while engaging the enemy at Kwang Nam during the Vietnam War on September 4, 1967.
Some “new” garments and uniforms have arrived at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for professional preservation. These include an 1863 contract New York National Guard jacket, an American Civil War medical service officers uniform, a very cool 71st Regiment New York State Militia canteen, and some leather gauntlets.
We’ll keep you updated on their progress towards restoration!
In 1991, Greg Banner (a US Army Major at the time) was assigned as an advisor in El Salvador. The US had established an advisory team approximately 10 years prior to help that country fight a communist insurgency. Major Banner spent 15 months as the team leader for one of the several district teams living with and helping Salvadoran units fight their war. This presentation will provide some background to the war and then an overview of one soldier’s experiences there, up to and including the peace treaty which was signed at the end of his tour.
Greg Banner graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1979 and spent 21 years on active duty in mostly Infantry and Special Forces assignments. He retired from the Army in Rhode Island and has been working in the emergency management field for the State of Rhode Island and then the federal government since then.
RSVP by NOON Friday, May 5. Please note: Our new online reservation system gives you the option to pay in advance when you make your reservation. For all inquiries send us an email.
When: Monday, May 8, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program).
Where: Varnum Armory, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Menu: Prime rib dinner
Fee: $25
Join us on Monday, April 10 to hear about a new generation of the famed World War II Monuments Officers who are dedicated to protecting the world’s cultural heritage in areas of conflict. Speaker Blake Ruehrwein, Director of Education and Public Outreach at the Naval War College Museum, will examine the role the Army’s 21st Century Monuments Officers play in cultural heritage protection. Learn how these new capabilities evolved, the process of readying these warrior diplomats for service, and what it takes to become one.
Blake Ruehrwein has over 15 years in the heritage and culture industry. With a master’s degree in art history, Blake’s career highlights include Exhibitions Team Member for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, Independent Curator in New York City, and Art History Instructor at universities locally and internationally. Currently, he serves as the Director of Education and Public Outreach at the Naval War College Museum in Newport, RI. In addition to his role as a Cultural Heritage Preservation Officer for the U.S. Army Reserve, Blake enjoys public speaking, triathlons, adventure, and spending time with his wife and kids in Massachusetts.
Reservations are required.
RSVP by NOON Friday, April 7. Please note: Our new online reservation system gives you the option to pay in advance when you make your reservation. For all inquiries send us an email.
VARNUM MEMBERS … Click here to RSVP!
When: Monday, April 10, 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by program).
Where: Varnum Armory, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
Menu: Bourbon steak tips, potatoes, veggies of the season, salad, dessert and coffee
Fee: $25