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A view of the Capitol after the British burning on the 24th August 1814.

History & Discoveries

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.
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Projects

Cannon Courtyard, As Intended

By Aimee Jorjani | May 12, 2026

The historic relationship between the Cannon Building and its landscape has been restored with a central green space usable for the first time since the 1950s.

Projects

House Hearing Room Renovation

By Madeleine Lucchetti | November 15, 2024

If you've ever toured a historic building, you might have thought — or heard your tour guide remark — "Wow, if only these walls could talk!" In one Rayburn House Office Building hearing room, they can.

Projects

A House for All Seasons

By Justin Kieffer | May 28, 2024

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.

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.

Projects

Covering the Home Team

By Justin Kieffer | January 31, 2022

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has a deep bench of talented employees that continue to complete critical projects across the Capitol campus year after year.

Projects

At the AOC, It's Always Home Improvement Time

By Justin Kieffer | June 24, 2021

While most people have one structure to take care of, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is hard at work on multiple projects to care for the buildings across Capitol Hill.

Projects

Olmsted Lanterns Restoration

By Kate Holder | February 4, 2021

The large bronze and glass lanterns are located just off Garfield Circle and Peace Circle.

Projects

Continuous Care of the U.S. Capitol Roof

By Laura Condeluci | March 25, 2020

Like most beloved national treasures from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol Building roof requires continuous care. Once a section has been replaced, it is regularly inspected as part of preventive maintenance.

Projects

Fire Egress at the Library of Congress

By Erin Nelson | September 3, 2019

The Architect of the Capitol's Construction Division with the support of the AOC Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdiction worked together to complete the Fire Door Improvements project in the Thomas Jefferson Building, improving fire safety within this historic space.

Projects

Preserving Historic Windows and Doors

By Kristen Frederick | February 12, 2019

The preservation of the Cannon House Office Building's historic windows and doors allows the building to retain much of its original character and charm, while increasing the building's functionality for those who work and visit within its walls. Learn more about the process.

Projects

Leave No Stone Unrestored

By Justin Kieffer | January 11, 2018

All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone. Stone preservation will continue to be a priority of the Architect of the Capitol as the best way to maintain these buildings is to constantly monitor them.