In 1773, General James Mitchell Varnum purchased a plot of land in East Greenwich, RI, for $90. A gifted lawyer and military leader in the American Revolution, Varnum attracted a "who's who" of guests including George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Rochambeau, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and others. This museum contains historical artifacts ranging from the 17th century to the mid 19th century, focusing on early American furniture, household items, musical instruments, children's toys, documents, paintings, and more. Exhibits include a 1690 officer's chair, a 1794 pianoforte made by William Frecker, a punch bowl gifted from General Lafayette to Varnum, and Varnum's own writing desk. Exhibits also include historical items sourced from the Far East, including China, Japan, Persia (now Iran), and more. This includes Chinese punch bowls and dinnerware dating to the 18th century, hand-carved ivory sewing kits, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, and Persian reverse-glass paintings.
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