Fires, Flight, Flag: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner
When British troops burned the U.S. Capitol and White House during the War of 1812, three lesser-known elements of American history came together.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 166 - 180 of 305
By Franklin Bradley | June 14, 2017
When British troops burned the U.S. Capitol and White House during the War of 1812, three lesser-known elements of American history came together.
By Kristen Frederick | May 25, 2017
Described during his lifetime as hardworking and humble, our sixth Architect of the Capitol can be considered an American success story.
By Erin Courtney | May 15, 2017
Since its completion, the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C, has been a popular attraction – for ducks and humans! See the ramps developed to safely and effectively assist ducklings climbing out of the pool or returning to it once out of the water.
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.
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.
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.
By Franklin Bradley | April 5, 2017
A look back at the founding of the James Madison Memorial Building.
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.
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.
By Stephen T Ayers, 11th Architect of the Capitol | 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.