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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

History & Discoveries

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.
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Projects

Covering the Home Team

By justin kieffer | January 31, 2022

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has a deep bench of talented employees that continue to complete critical projects across the Capitol campus year after year.

History & Discoveries

The Architect of the Capitol Sweeps Up the Past

By Morgan Green | July 13, 2021

When Jim Kaufmann, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum Director, happened across an 1891 street-sweeping map while going through cultural landscape reports, he had no idea how simple an old map could make caring for the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

Projects

At the AOC, It's Always Home Improvement Time

By justin kieffer | June 24, 2021

While most people have one structure to take care of, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is hard at work on multiple projects to care for the buildings across Capitol Hill.

Behind the Scenes

New Pesticide Recertification Program

By kate holder | February 17, 2021

One of the most important credentials for Architect of the Capitol (AOC) gardeners to obtain and maintain is pesticide applicator licensing. It's a certification that advances the AOC's core value of safety in multiple ways.

History & Discoveries

John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800

By franklin bradley | February 10, 2021

President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.

Projects

Olmsted Lanterns Restoration

By kate holder | February 4, 2021

The large bronze and glass lanterns are located just off Garfield Circle and Peace Circle.

Behind the Scenes

U.S. Capitol Clean-up

By aoc staff | January 15, 2021

Hear from a few employees about the incredible effort they and their teams put forward in the aftermath of the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021.

Behind the Scenes

By the Numbers: Presidential Inauguration 2021

By erin nelson | January 4, 2021

Every four years Americans cast their vote for president in November and watch as the newly elected president takes the oath of office the following January. Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff also spend these months preparing for the inauguration at the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Honoring the U.S. Capitol Guides Buried in Congressional Cemetery

By blake lindsey | December 15, 2020

Several of the men who first led tours through the U.S. Capitol are buried in Congressional Cemetery. In December 2019, a group from the Capitol Visitor Center Social Committee gathered at the cemetery to place markers on the graves of these guides and learn more about their lives.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: "The Box"

By kate holder | October 19, 2020

What Began as a Demonstration for Kids Is Now a Unique Training Tool