A weekend of special events at the Varnum Armory to introduce the Varnum Armory Museum and its collections to the public and to raise funds for the restoration of historic artwork in the Varnum Armory and James Mitchell Varnum House Museums:

On Saturday, Oct. 12 there will be free guided tours of the Varnum Armory Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on Oct. 12 will be the Art at the Armory Preview Party Fundraiser (ticketed event) from 5 to 8 p.m. Preview the Art at the Armory exhibit and celebrate the unveiling of a pair of new archival fine art prints of East Greenwich’s historic Hill and Harbor, from original oil paintings (ca. 1860) by Dr. Daniel Howland Greene. Patrons will have the opportunity to buy these limited-edition prints. Proceeds will help clean and restore the artwork in the two Varnum museums.

Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, music and art. Valet parking will be provided. To buy tickets, visit our website or call John Adams at 886-9078.

On Sunday, Oct. 13, the “Art at the Armory” exhibition is open to the public for viewing from 12 to 5 p.m. Artwork from the collections of the Varnum Armory Museum and the James Mitchell Varnum House Museum will be exhibited on the drill floor, along with selected posters from the Armory’s vast collection of World War I and World War II recruiting and propaganda posters. The exhibit will feature works for local importance, including portraits of early East Greenwich families, a rare painting of a young Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback, and early reverse paintings on glass from China. Admission is free.

On Columbus Day, Oct. 14, it’s Kids Day at the Armory from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a free program of art and history-related events specifically for kids. In cooperation with East Greenwich Art Club, decorate a T-shirt, create a tri-corner hat, and enjoy a demonstration by Rhode Island artist Bill Gallagher as he gives his paper maché creations historical twists.