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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

Capitol Reflections: ADA and the Visitor Experience

By laura condeluci | July 29, 2015

Accessibility was a key component of the design of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, and we are proud to welcome visitors from all over the world. The AOC works to continually improve access to all, while maintaining and preserving the historic fabric and character of the campus.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Reflections: ADA and Historic Buildings

By laura condeluci | July 28, 2015

Find out how our architects work the ADA into facilities on the U.S. Capitol campus, given they were built before accessibility needs were recognized. The Pickford Theater renovation in the Library of Congress Madison Building is a creative example of bringing accessibility to a historic building.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Reflections: ADA and Life Safety

By laura condeluci | July 26, 2015

A look back at how life safety relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and what has changed on the United States Capitol campus over the past 25 years. For example, fire alarms are now required to have flashing strobe lights, in addition to an audible sound.

Programs & Events

CVC Guides Help Visitor "See" the Old Supreme Court

By sharon gang | July 23, 2015

When Visitor Guide John Claya encountered a guest with a visual disability near the Old Supreme Court Chamber, he used a creative tool to help her "see" the room.

History & Discoveries

Designing with ADA in Mind

By nancy skinkle | July 22, 2015

The AOC's Facilities Planning and Programming Division incorporates seemingly small improvements into the design of our facilities and their outside environments, helping not only those with disabilities, but each one of us.

Programs & Events

A Garden for Everyone

By usbg staff | July 16, 2015

The U.S. Botanic Garden is committed to welcoming every visitor by providing accessible facilities and inclusive programming. Several efforts ensure that all can explore the USBG, including accessible routes, hand rails, all-terrain wheelchairs for loan, guides available in Braille and more.

Programs & Events

Mobility Assistance: There When You Need It!

By sharon gang | July 13, 2015

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center provides many accessibility services from shuttles, ramps and escalators to touchable objects and open captioning. We work closely with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services on several fronts. Visitors may request wheelchairs at the North Coat Check.

Projects

Seeing Through Concrete

By r c vaughn | July 8, 2015

The Cannon Renewal team is using ground penetrating radar to help workers see what's inside the concrete of the Cannon Building.

History & Discoveries

The Candy Desk

By sharon gang | June 30, 2015

Few traditions associated with Senate furniture are as intriguing as the "candy desk" on the floor of the Senate.

Projects

Capitol Rotunda Restoration

By matt guilfoyle | June 26, 2015

The restoration of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will ensure this hallowed space will be enjoyed by generations for years to come. Work includes removing hazardous materials, restoring ironwork, upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, installing new lighting and repainting.

History & Discoveries

History with a Side of Mystery: the Rotunda Benches

By sharon gang | June 4, 2015

The AOC cares for the benches in the United States Capitol Rotunda whose cast-iron supports and arms were based on a design sketched by Constantino Brumidi in 1859. These benches have also called a few other locations home over the years, including Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Doing Good

Doing Good: Investing in the Next Generation

By erin nelson | May 13, 2015

As volunteers, the time commitment for AOC employees who mentor is not huge, but the impact they have on the students' lives certainly is.

Behind the Scenes

AOC's TLC Keeps Historic Furniture Looking New

By sharon gang | May 5, 2015

The Senate Office Buildings Painting and Refinishing Branch gives hands-on attention to help blend vintage and new into a cohesive collection.

Projects

Restoring Grant's Glory

By laura condeluci | April 27, 2015

Because weather and time have not been kind to the Grant Memorial, AOC staff developed a preservation strategy to restore the Grant Memorial to its original condition.

History & Discoveries

Bringing Cannon Back to the Future

By sarah davis | April 21, 2015

High in the sky, about 50 feet above the roof, a crane is peeking out of the Cannon House Office Building. This tower crane is part of the AOC's renewal project to improve and preserve the building, making it more efficient, comfortable and safer, while retaining its historic grandeur.