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History & Discoveries

Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol

Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus.
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History & Discoveries

Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol

By Erin Nelson | December 23, 2022

Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.

Programs & Events

Poinsettias Flourish at the U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson | December 20, 2022

Our gardeners have grown almost 2,000 poinsettia plants to brighten up the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) Conservatory's annual holiday exhibit "Season's Greenings." An expert team at USBG cares for the annual poinsettia crop with daily attentiveness starting in July.

History & Discoveries

How The Capitol Crypt Got Its Name

By Curator Division | December 14, 2022

Is anyone buried in the U.S. Capitol? The term "crypt" has long referred to a space beneath the main floor of a church or a chamber in a mausoleum. For many of us it suggests somber, stony silence and perhaps dusty coffins. The Capitol Crypt, however, is a different thing altogether.

Programs & Events

An Olmsted Christmas at the U.S. Capitol

By Jim Kaufmann | November 14, 2022

The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the USDA Forest Service. Follow along as our Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum travels to the National Forests in North Carolina to select the 2022 tree.

History & Discoveries

Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends

By Erin Courtney | October 31, 2022

Given that the United States Capitol was once expected to be the final resting place for George Washington, replete with a crypt, should we be surprised that multiple Capitol-related ghost stories exist? Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.

Projects

Cannon Light Fixture Restoration

By Aimee Jorjani | September 27, 2022

While light fixtures are like jewelry to a room, they can also set a tone for the significance of the space. Naturally, they also provide illumination to enable work and safe movement.

Behind the Scenes

24 Hours at the Capitol Power Plant

By Erin Nelson | September 19, 2022

The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) continues year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our buildings never sleep, and the work never stops. This is especially true for the dedicated workers at the Capitol Power Plant.

Programs & Events

Cultivating a New Agriculture Exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson | September 14, 2022

Visitors can explore the galleries and gardens to learn how inventive ideas in agriculture, both scientific and social, sustain and enrich life and how growing and cooking food connects people with each other and their communities.

Behind the Scenes

The Art of Walking Across History

By Cristin O'Brien | June 1, 2022

A National Safety Month Reminder: Whether you work on Capitol Hill, are a regular visitor or you are planning to visit for the first time, remember to stay mindful of your surroundings.

Behind the Scenes

Mulch Blower Extraordinaire

By Cristin O'Brien | May 26, 2022

On a sunny morning, employees from Capitol Grounds and Arboretum gathered to see a demonstration of a new tool and hear about its benefits.

History & Discoveries

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

By AOC Staff | March 29, 2022

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital; it is also the busiest. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol including where you can see more than 100 cherry blossom trees.