DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia, a Collection of Unique Objects

Among the many museums that can be found in Colonial Williamsburg is the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The museum, which opened in 1985, is home to a large collection of interesting American and British objects from the 17th through the 19th centuries.

Many every day items such as furniture, china, firearms, glass and textiles can be found in the museum, which is located beneath the Public Hospital Museum. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there is an ever changing selection of interesting temporary exhibits as well. Here are some of the temporary exhibits that have been hosted by the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

A Child's Eye View

This exhibit highlights toys throughout the centuries and specifically takes a look at the way that toys are often miniatures of the items used each day by adults.

Captured Colors: Four Battleflags of the American Revolution

For history buffs, this exhibit is a rare chance to see four American flags that were captured by the British during battles fought in the Revolutionary war. These flags had remained in the family of Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, the British cavalry officer who took them in battle, for over 200 years. In 2006, the flags were sold at auction.

The ongoing exhibits are just as historically rich. Below is a sample of the ongoing exhibits.

Revolution in Taste

This exhibit provides a look at some of the china and other tableware that was available in the 18th century.

Pounds, Pence and Pistareens: The Coins and Currency of Colonial America

There were many denominations of money being passed back and forth in Colonial America. Visitors can see pistareens, cobs and pieces of eight. Both coins and paper money is included in the exhibit.

Lock, Stock and Barrel

This is an impressive display of both civilian and military firearms from the 18th century on.

An exhibit that is a favorite with museum visitors is The Language of Clothing. The collection includes fancy one-of-a-kind court clothing for both men and women as well as simpler pieces, such as a maternity dressing gown. Accessories, for both men and women, including shoes, fans and purses are also included in the exhibit.

The museum is named for DeWitt Wallace, who contributed generously to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Wallace made his fortune in magazine publishing. He and his wife, Lila, founded and published Readers' Digest. The first issue was printed in 1922 and it became one of the most widely read publications in the world.

Entrance to the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is included in the price of the passes sold by Colonial Williamsburg. In addition to the exhibits, educational programs are also offered and there is a cafy' and gift shop located within the museum.