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While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.

Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.

Thanking those who keep our trees thriving.

The experts at the House Mechanic Shop meticulously oversee campus HVAC systems, ensuring building temperatures are optimal for both daily operations and historic preservation.

Donna Klee has worked for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for more than 10 years and was named the agency's Historic Preservation Officer in the fall of 2023. In this capacity, she works to implement the agency's preservation policy.

More than 140 years later, the Architect of the Capitol's Summerhouse still offers visitors respite. Recent maintenance efforts will help keep the site around for repeat visitors and first timers alike.

When it comes to preserving the Library of Congress' (LOC) record-breaking collection of more than 175 million items — including books, historical materials and cultural artifacts — the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff plays an instrumental role in keeping things cool.

Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.

At the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team works hard to promote green and sustainable practices around the Capitol campus.

Thomas Jefferson, inspired by skylights he saw in Paris, prevailed upon the Architect of the Capitol to include something similar in the U.S. Capitol's new chamber for the House of Representatives. However, all the skylights came to an untimely end.

In a picturesque marriage of vintage charm and cutting-edge sustainability, the AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team has unveiled their latest addition to the gardening fleet: a vintage-style electric cargo tricycle.

An in-depth look at the evolution of women in art at the U.S. Capitol. First appearing primarily as allegorical figures representing ideals, not individuals. Later, as women took on more prominent positions in society and won basic rights, greater opportunities and visibility have led to more.

The Architect of the Capitol makes the U.S. Capitol Dome, an enduring symbol of democracy recognized throughout the world, visible to all throughout the night. Learn more about the history of lighting this iconic building including the part of the Dome called the "tholos."

In the bleak winter, when most Washingtonians are looking to stay indoors, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team still spends a lot of time outside.