The Living Line: A Revolutionary War Encampment

The Varnum House Museum will host an American 18th-century living history military encampment on its spacious grounds in East Greenwich, RI.
About this Event

On Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, the Varnum House Museum will host an American 18th-century living history military encampment on its spacious grounds in East Greenwich, RI. This special event is funded by a grant from the RI250 Commission. The event will span from 10 AM to 4 PM on both days. This is a FREE event.

The encampment brings to life the stories, the sights and sounds, and the essential role the colony of Rhode Island played in our country’s fight for independence. You’ll walk – quite literally – in the footsteps of leaders, citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers for whom liberty and freedom were not just vague concepts.

Visitors will experience the Revolutionary War through the eyes of Rhode Island’s diverse population of the time, including Indigenous peoples, enslaved people, and free citizens. From the Varnum House grounds, the encampment looks at military life and traditions, via exhibits, storytellers, and historic militia groups. The Museum itself, originally the home of Revolutionary War Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, will be open for tours, where visitors can further immerse themselves in history. Drills and demonstrations will take place throughout the day on both days.

Throughout downtown East Greenwich, visitors will be greeted by uniformed militia members and musicians and learn about East Greenwich’s rich colonial and Revolutionary War heritage at sites including the Varnum Armory Museum, East Greenwich Hotel, the Kentish Guards Armory, and the Greenwich Odeum. Signage throughout the town highlights EG’s historic and architectural treasures for self-guided tours.

OPENING CEREMONY: SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 AT 10 AM

-- Posting of colors by First Rhode Island Regiment and Varnum’s Regiment

-- Remarks by local dignitaries, including RI Congressional Representative Gabe Amo and RI Secretary of State Gregg Amore

-- Musket Salute

PARTICIPANTS:

-- Rhode Island Historic Military Commands: Varnum’s Regiment, Kentish Guards, Pawtuxet Rangers, Kingston Reds, and Warren Federal Blues

-- Guest Unit: First Rhode Island Regiment, Trenton, NJ

-- Jon Rossetti, Native American Interpreter

-- Author Robert Geake signing his new biography of James Mitchell Varnum, “A Man of Uncommon Valor”

-- Ladies of the Greene (reenactors)

-- The Wedges of Time (reenactors & educators)

For additional information about the Varnum House Museum, upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support its mission, email [email protected] or 401-884-1776. This Revolutionary War Encampment is funded by a grant from the RI250 Commission.

ABOUT THE VARNUM HOUSE MUSEUM

The Varnum House Museum preserves and shares the legacy of General James Mitchell Varnum and the people whose leadership, service, and sacrifice helped shape the United States during the American Revolution and the nation's founding years. Through exhibitions, educational programs, preservation initiatives, and community partnerships, the museum connects visitors with Rhode Island's remarkable role in American history while inspiring stewardship of our shared heritage.