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Behind the Scenes

Built to Last

From Project Mastery to People Skills, Women in Construction Build Up the AOC
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History & Discoveries

The Lion – A Mane Attraction

By sarah davis | March 1, 2016

The lion, with its prominent mane, is a popular symbol in art and architecture on the U.S. Capitol campus. Here are six areas where you'll find this type of cat on the Capitol campus, including a few located inside for those days when March "comes in like a lion" with cold and unpleasant weather.

History & Discoveries

Honoring Black History Month

By andrew dentamaro | February 10, 2016

Black History Month marks a time to celebrate and reflect upon the role that African Americans have played in shaping the course of the USA's history. The compelling account of physical places that are important in this history certainly includes Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Capitol in particular.

Behind the Scenes

Focusing on Safety First at the Largest Library in the World

By erin courtney | January 30, 2016

Modern technology enables the Architect of the Capitol to take precautions and prevent potentially harmful fires from ravaging our nation's treasures. Recently, AOC plumbers installed a fire protection system seamlessly into the historic fabric of the Thomas Jefferson Building.

Doing Good

Rising to the Challenge: Elevator Mechanic Challenges Students

By laura condeluci | January 27, 2016

This doing good employee spotlight is of an Architect of the Capitol elevator mechanic supervisor who gives back by sharing their knowledge with students at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School about his specific trade expertise and of broader career opportunities.

Doing Good

Mentoring Comes Full Circle

By laura condeluci | January 20, 2016

Volunteering at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in Washington, D.C., is an experience that continues to enrich lives. This story is of an AOC employee who had the opportunity to be mentored by professionals in the engineering field, and now gives back in a similar way.

Projects

Recasting Missing Parts of the Grant Memorial

By michele cohen | January 7, 2016

New pieces for the Grant Memorial are being cast in a Philadelphia foundry under the watchful eye of the conservator and the Architect of the Capitol team. On a recent visit, AOC employees observed the casting process in action, including the dramatic moment when the molten bronze is poured.

Behind the Scenes

Let it Snow... We're Ready!

By erin courtney | January 6, 2016

Every fall, the AOC begins preparing snow equipment, procuring rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviewing the emergency and essential personnel snow response plans for the U.S. Capitol. Find out more about this work and fun facts, like the coldest area of the Capitol campus.

History & Discoveries

Around the Clocks

By sarah davis | December 31, 2015

All eyes are on the clocks as we countdown on New Years Eve. These clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year.

Behind the Scenes

2015 Year in Review

By sarah davis | December 18, 2015

This year has been one of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol and on Capitol Hill. As 2015 comes to a close, relive some of the highlights through our photos.

Programs & Events

Northern Lights Twinkle on the West Front Lawn

By erin courtney | December 2, 2015

The mild and misty December air crackled with excitement as the Architect of the Capitol, members of Congress, congressional staff, Capitol Hill neighbors and tourists gathered on the West Front Lawn for the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

Programs & Events

Selecting the 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree

By ted bechtol | October 28, 2015

How do you pick a single tree from an area that stretches across all of south-central Alaska? AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds explores the Chugach National Forest for "the one."

History & Discoveries

Monuments Men Return to Inspire on Capitol Hill

By franklin bradley | October 22, 2015

Recognizing a few of the Monuments Men with accomplishments seen on Capitol Hill, from the outside of the buildings to the rooms and artwork within.

Behind the Scenes

Papal Preparation Takes Teamwork

By erin courtney | October 14, 2015

Multiple jurisdictions worked together to prepare for Pope Francis' historic arrival at the U.S. Capitol last month, treating it much like a rehearsal for the next presidential inauguration.

Projects

Cannon Renewal Project: Best Practices In The Field

By r c vaughn | October 9, 2015

The Cannon Renewal team explores a new way of viewing drawings in the field, bringing a 21st-century approach to field coordination and quality control as a model for the future of construction.

History & Discoveries

A Rotunda Roundup

By sarah davis | August 5, 2015

The U.S. Capitol's rotunda is closed this month to prepare for restoration, but there are six other rotunda areas visitors should be sure to see.