Varnum Armory Celebrates Beer and Raises Funds

The 10th annual “Life. Liberty. Beer.” tasting and fundraiser was hosted at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum in East Greenwich on November 23, 2019. During the sold-out event, guests sampled a variety of ales, porters and ciders from local craft breweries while perusing food vendors and touring the museum’s historic exhibits. Proceeds benefited the historic Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, a medieval-style armory that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The armory dates back to 1913 and houses a unique collection of weaponry, uniforms, historic artifacts and militaria dating from colonial America through the 20th century. Among the more unusual items: a functioning 1883 Gatling gun, a Civil War-era James Conversion six-pound rifled cannon and a collection of more than 600 American and foreign patriotic and propaganda posters from World Wars I and II.

: All from Varnum Memorial Armory Museum except where indicated: Maria Vasquez, Curator Assistant; Patrick Donovan, Vice President and Curator; Tim Jackson, Treasurer and Docent; and John Anderson, The Varnum Continentals Organization (Varnum) Trustee and Chairperson, Life. Liberty. Beer.

: Craig Barone, Trustee, Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, Board of Trustees, Varnum; Michelle Place, Varnum Member and Drill Hall Rental Coordinator; Chris Feisthamel, President; Jim Renzi, Varnum Member; and John Anderson, Varnum Trustee and Chairperson, Life. Liberty. Beer.

: Chris Iannitelli, The Savory Grape with selections from Downeast Cider House and Allagash Brewing Company.

: Selections from the Crook & Marker Spiked & Sparkling line in Coconut Pineapple, Strawberry Lemon, Black Cherry, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Peach and Mango flavors.

: Newport Craft Brewing Co. Storm Blueberry and RhodeTrip New England IPA; Narragansett It’s About Time IPA, Fresh Catch and Shandy; and Foolproof Brewing Company Ocean State Lager, Double Cannon IPA, Raincloud Robust Porter and Ocean State IPA.

: Kyle Castillo, Warehouse Manager, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. pouring the Kentucky Winter Golden Stout, which is aged in bourbon barrels.

: Harpoon Winter Warmer Ale and UFO Winter Blonde Ale.

: Varnum Members Dottie Vanderpyl and David Vanderpyl, both pouring for Grey Sail Brewing and Melissa Gianetti, Events, Whalers Brewing Company.

: Mike Breslin, Varnum Member/Volunteer; Melinda Williams, Volunteer Brand Ambassador; and Dottie Vanderpyl, Varnum Member pouring selections from Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co., Foolproof Brewing Company, Narragansett Beer and Heavy Seas Beer.