Finding a Lasting Impression
Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Recently, another permanent signature was discovered.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 151 - 165 of 278
By sarah davis | June 1, 2016
Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Recently, another permanent signature was discovered.
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.
By capitol grounds | April 19, 2023
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum staff are busy preparing for the upcoming growing season.
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.
By matt guilfoyle | August 31, 2012
The men and women who comprise the Architect of the Capitol painting craft across Capitol Hill are master illusionists ensuring the buildings inspire all who visit with their grandeur and beauty. Find out how our painters use tricks of the trade to turn wood into marble and metal into wood.
By matt ericson | March 21, 2018
Why change our clocks twice a year, spring forward and fall back? The idea of saving the daylight goes back centuries. The Capitol Visitor Center hosted a workshop to think about these issues and learn about Congress' role in time including the Standard Time Act of 1918 and the Uniform Time Act.
By kristen frederick | May 13, 2013
Throughout the U.S. Capitol Building's more than 200 year history, many workers have labored in obscurity. Recently, we stumbled across a worker named Pringle Slight with an interesting (and largely forgotten) story.
By andrew dentamaro | February 10, 2016
Black History Month marks a time to celebrate and reflect upon the role that African Americans have played in shaping the course of the USA's history. The compelling account of physical places that are important in this history certainly includes Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Capitol in particular.
By kate holder | February 8, 2019
At a critical time in the U.S. Capitol's evolution, there was a Capitol Bronze Shop established by Montgomery Meigs. From 1855 to 1859, the shop helped serve the needs of the Capitol Extension, a major expansion project to accommodate a growing Congress in Washington, D.C.
By aoc curator | January 15, 2013
AOC Photographer Chuck Badal gives a behind the scenes look at how some of his favorite photos of the Capitol were captured — from the roof of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
By franklin bradley | June 28, 2018
A profile story on Job W. Angus, who built multiple structures for ceremonies held for Abraham Lincoln's time as president in Washington, D.C. from his inauguration ballroom to the catafalque for his Lying in State.
By stephen t ayers | October 11, 2017
The Architect of the Capitol believes that when making additions to historic buildings, especially on the U.S. Capitol campus, we are not to copy or try to match the historic building, but rather we are to differentiate the new features so we don't create a false sense of history.
By laura condeluci | July 28, 2015
Find out how our architects work the ADA into facilities on the U.S. Capitol campus, given they were built before accessibility needs were recognized. The Pickford Theater renovation in the Library of Congress Madison Building is a creative example of bringing accessibility to a historic building.
By erin courtney | January 6, 2016
Every fall, the AOC begins preparing snow equipment, procuring rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviewing the emergency and essential personnel snow response plans for the U.S. Capitol. Find out more about this work and fun facts, like the coldest area of the Capitol campus.
By stephen t ayers | July 12, 2017
Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers reflects on use of precious in decorative elements of the Library of Congress, including the Torch of Knowledge, Great Hall and Main Reading Room. Gold, copper, bronze and aluminum elements play an important role in the inspiration of the Jefferson Building.