The Varnum Continentals will host its 8th annual Colonial Yuletide Celebration on Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM in the Varnum House Museum, 57 Peirce St., East Greenwich, RI, 02818. A $5.00 donation per person is suggested; $20 per family.
The museum will feature festive holiday decorations and host guided tours by local Girl Scout Troops, who will be dressed for the occasion in period costume. In addition, members of the Varnum Continentals will attend the event in full Revolutionary War-era uniforms.
Built as a residence in 1773 by General James Mitchell Varnum, the museum contains a wide variety of rare, early American furniture, letters, books, musical instruments, children's toys, and other antiques. General James Mitchell Varnum was the first commander of the Kentish Guards in East Greenwich as of October 1774. From 1777 to 1779, he was one of George Washington's Continental Army Brigadier Generals. In 1779 he was Major General of Rhode Island Militia. General Varnum served with distinction at the siege of Boston, the battles at Long Island, White Plains, Red Bank, Valley Forge, and the battle of Rhode Island. His headquarters still stands at Valley Forge.
