Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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History & Discoveries

A Hallowed Figure in American Art and Culture: the Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is painted, sculpted and carved throughout the Capitol campus. Its white head, wide wingspan and gnarled talons are ubiquitous.
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Behind the Scenes

Family Connections at the Capitol

By Wayne Kehoe | April 24, 2017

Being at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., can be a family affair, literally! A volunteer at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center describes two pieces of U.S. Capitol art that he has a connection to through his ancestors - William Brewster and Johnathan Trumbull.

Doing Good

A Supreme Choice for Developing Area Youth

By Sarah Davis | April 19, 2017

What started as a boy's after-school project request has turned into a man's mission. This doing good story is of an AOC Supreme Court electrician who volunteers with 4-H, a youth development organization that aims to provide young people with hands-on learning experiences.

History & Discoveries

By the Numbers: Senate Fountain

By Andrew Dentamaro | April 12, 2017

One of the overlooked gems on Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill, the Senate fountain, is nestled between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol, atop the Senate upper park. The hexagonal granite fountain operated for the first time in July 1932 and is designed with many unique features.

History & Discoveries

Then & Now: Madison Building

By Franklin Bradley | April 5, 2017

A look back at the founding of the James Madison Memorial Building.

Behind the Scenes

Falling Into Spring

By Erin Courtney | March 29, 2017

Spring is the season of new beginnings when the Earth seems to come to life again. But it is the year-round planning, preparation and hard work of the Capitol Grounds team that ensures buds bloom, vibrant colors delight and fragrant flowers excite the senses on Capitol Hill.

History & Discoveries

Historic Firsts: Capitol Hill Elevators

By Erin Nelson | March 23, 2017

A celebration of the passenger elevator's birthday leads to a search for the U.S. Capitol's historic first elevator. Follow along as we investigate through clues from the archives including correspondence in the 1870s, records, books, floor plans and other reports.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: Design with Purpose

By Stephen T Ayers | March 15, 2017

Stephen Ayers, 11th Architect of the Capitol, describes his love of birds and their role in the focal point of Capitol Square's perimeter wall. As one approaches the central Olmsted fountain, it's easy to sense that this is both a great place and a place of greats.

Behind the Scenes

A Woman's Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities and Personal Growth

By Deatra Trinidad | March 8, 2017

The AOC's Deputy Facility Manager at the United States Supreme Court Building began her engineering career path from a love of roller coasters. Now, in an effort to give back to the community, she volunteers with school robotics competitions and at STEM type expositions.

Behind the Scenes

Women's History Month: Christine A. Merdon

By Erin Courtney | March 8, 2017

The first female Chief Operating Officer for AOC reflects on the experiences that introduced her to extraordinary women and helped shape her management style. She serves as an inspiring example to young women interested in competing – and succeeding – in historically male-dominated fields.

Behind the Scenes

A Sweet 2016

By Sarah Davis | December 29, 2016

This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. Here are 10 that stand out.

Programs & Events

Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson | December 21, 2016

Things don't slow down just because it's winter. See five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden this season, including tropical flowers like this Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid.

Projects

It's About Time

By Franklin Bradley | December 15, 2016

Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans. The more complex items are being recreated by a stone carver on-site, who is carving from the same stone blocks the original craftsmen worked.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades

By Erin Nelson | December 8, 2016

The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the U.S. Capitol campus. In addition to insulation, the shop also performs dust control and hazardous materials abatement.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By Stephen T Ayers | December 5, 2016

The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers describes how we can experience Capitol Hill's magnificent national treasures the way they were originally imagined.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By Franklin Bradley | December 1, 2016

A special tool helps our stone masons repair and replace the mortar in the low stone walls lining Capitol Square.