One of the best ways to learn about our history and related material culture is to go see it. I really enjoy visiting museums and historical societies all over New England, and one of the best examples of these institutions is at 6 Main Street in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, the Varnum Memorial Armory and Museum.
After hearing about it for some time I decided to make the trip down for a visit. I remember walking in the door and looking around in stunned amazement at the history that surrounded me. Cannon were placed in the drill hall, identified uniforms from the Civil War in cases, muskets and swords lined the walls and ceilings. Everywhere I looked there was something to see, read, and ponder. It took me a few more trips to really begin to soak it in and pick some of my personal highlights to share, although there are so many I had to keep it to a few.
Recently found in the collection is a letter dictated to the writer by Thomas Nichols, an African American serving during the American Revolution in the First Rhode Island Regiment. According to his service records in the National Archives, he enlisted on March 10, 1777 for the war. The letter is dated January 18, 1781 and in it he is trying to get a discharge from the service as the war has been “Disagreabell to my mind as well as Destructive to my health.” He had been wounded as well as sick and, in the hospital, off and on throughout his previous service. This is an extremely rare document and through generous donations it has been conserved and preserved for future generations.
Another object that sparks my Revolutionary War interests is a British carbine quite possibly captured after the Battle of Saratoga from a sergeant in the 24th Regiment of Foot. When the British surrendered to American forces, they laid down their arms and equipment which would be reused by the victorious Continental soldiers.
The collection also contains some great Federal and Civil War period things also. Clothing, muskets and carbines, swords, canteens, and personal items carried by soldiers in combat. World War I also has a great presence through many objects used by both American soldiers as well as the Imperial German Army, brought or shipped back home and eventually donated by the veterans. Each one of these objects tells the story of individuals and their experience in war that I find to be very moving.
If you want to experience something interesting and educational, check out the Varnum Memorial Armory museum website at www.varnumcontinentals.org. Make an appointment and go visit this historical gem.
