Our Blog

The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.

To celebrate the birthday of our nation's fourth president, we are highlighting the art featuring or including James Madison on the Capitol campus.

Tuning forks are frequently used by musicians to adjust their instruments. So why does the Architect of the Capitol have one – and what makes it cool? Montgomery C. Meigs used this tuning fork during the 1850s Capitol Dome construction to evaluate its cast iron beams.

The Architect of the Capitol's Senate Subway Branch operates two subway systems to transport senators, staff and escorted visitors between the Capitol Building and the Senate office buildings. Let these AOC employees show you what it's like to work in their specialized shop and area of expertise.

At the Architect of the Capitol, approximately 25 percent of the workforce are women who participate in a variety of jobs on the U.S. Capitol campus. Architects, lawyers, archivists, curators, engineers, gardeners, custodians, technology developers and more are all represented by female employees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.