There are a variety of upcoming things to do in Williamsburg.

Colonial Williamsburg is hosting the Declarations of Independence exhibition now through September 2012. Located at the DeWitt Wallace Museum, the exhibit features five copies of the famous document printed in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Printers competed to produce copies that would allow every household to own a copy of the Declaration. In 1823, an official version was created by William Stone and presented to the few remaining signers of the original Declaration as well as many government officials. Today, only about 30 of the original 200 copies survive.

Colonial Williamsburg is also hosting a traveling exhibition organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Washington, D.C. It examines the furniture of John Shearer, a joiner who a joiner who worked in the backcountry of Virginia and Maryland from ca. 1790-1820. Through the use of inlay and inscriptions, Shearer's furniture demonstrated his loyalty to Great Britain. Shearer's continued allegiance to Great Britain and her Royal Navy after the American Revolution underscored the evolving political landscape of the new United States. The exhibit will be featured through March 2012.

The Yorktown Revolutionary War Lecture Series will discuss “John Adams, Patrick Henry and the Elusive Origins of the Revolution” on September 10 at 7pm. Jon Kukla, historian and author, will host the event. The Public Lecture Series is a free event, but reservations are recommended at rsvp@jyf.virginia.gov or by calling 757-253-5185.

The Yorktown Victory Center holds Court Day on September 17. The free event pays homage to traditional Court Days from colonial times that drew rural planters from around the area for trade, entertainment and legal proceedings. During Yorktown’s Court Days guests can enjoy spinning demonstrations, puppet shows, music and cricket among other 18th-Century amusements.

Also on scheduled for September 17 is the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band concert. The free event takes place from 7:00-8:15pm at Colonial Williamsburg’s Market Square.

Plan a Williamsburg vacation today to rediscover America's past.