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Behind the Scenes

Article

A Few of 2014's Favorite Things

By Sarah Davis
| December 22, 2014
Take a look back at some popular moments of 2014 through the Architect of the Capitol's Instagram and Flickr images below. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. Instagram April's squirrel week Looking up at the protective canopy of the Dome Set-up for May's National Memorial Day
Programs & Events

Article

Instant Perspective on a #CapitolMorning

By Sarah Davis
| September 22, 2014
Early on this beautiful September morning, a group of Instagrammers came together to explore and celebrate the U.S. Capitol during our second Instagram Meetup (InstaMeet). The event offered a unique perspective on the building and grounds through their photography. Thanks to all who joined us! See
"Declaration of Independence" scene from the Frieze of American History found in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, John Adams

By Sarah Davis
| October 30, 2018
John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, in Massachusetts. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a diplomat in Europe and would go on to become the first vice president, and second president, of the United States of America. Similar to many other Founding Fathers, Adams appears in several
Circular fountain on the U.S. Capitol's West Front.
History & Discoveries

Article

Calm and Collected Waters

By Sarah Davis
| June 20, 2018
Summer officially starts this week and the weather in Washington, D.C., is getting warmer. While water features on the U.S. Capitol campus look cool and refreshing, they aren't designed for humans to play in. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental
2017 Highlights
History & Discoveries

Article

Ten Memorable Moments of 2017

By Sarah Davis
| December 20, 2017
This has been a year of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and on Capitol Hill. Before we dive into 2018, here's a look back at some of this year's highlights. Inauguration The presidential inaugural platform on the U.S. Capitol's West Front had its chance to shine on January
History & Discoveries

Article

With Trees in Mind

By Sarah Davis
| April 29, 2016
Celebrated annually on the last Friday in April, National Arbor Day highlights the importance of trees, their planting and their care. Architect of the Capitol employees are involved in comprehensive tree care on this day, and every day throughout the year. It all started in 1874 with Frederick Law
Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire Orchid
Programs & Events

Article

Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson
| December 21, 2016
Things don't slow down just because it's winter. Below are five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) this season, including tropical flowers like the Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid above. 1. See chocolate in its rawest form Cross section of a cacao (chococlate) pod. When
History & Discoveries

Article

The Lion – A Mane Attraction

By Sarah Davis
| March 1, 2016
With its prominent mane, the lion has long been a symbol in art and architecture representing royalty, stateliness and bravery. Through these appearances in paintings, sculpture and ornamental adornment to buildings, the "king of the jungle" often finds itself out of the wild and in more urban areas
History & Discoveries

Article

Around the Clocks

By Sarah Davis
| December 31, 2015
All eyes will be on the clocks tonight as we countdown to the New Year. Many of the clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) cares for most of the historic and modern clocks here. Our electronic mechanics go to
Behind the Scenes

Article

2015 Year in Review

By Sarah Davis
| December 18, 2015
This year has been one of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol and on Capitol Hill. As 2015 comes to a close, relive some of the highlights through our blog stories, Instagram, Flickr and YouTube media below. January: Snowy view of the Grant Memorial and National Mall February
2016 carved into a column capital during the Capitol Exterior Preservation project's stone work.
History & Discoveries

Article

A Sweet 2016

By Sarah Davis
| December 29, 2016
This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. From big events and projects (like Capitol exterior preservation above) to behind-the-scenes stories and fun celebrations, below are 10 that stand out to me. Winter Storm Jonas Snow removal on the West Front of the
History & Discoveries

Article

Water Features Everywhere

By Sarah Davis
| April 7, 2016
There are more than 20 water features that Architect of the Capitol employees care for. Spanning across the Capitol campus, each of the House office buildings, Senate office buildings, Library of Congress buildings, Supreme Court buildings and the U.S. Botanic Garden have some type of fountain or
History & Discoveries

Article

Finding a Lasting Impression

By Sarah Davis
| June 1, 2016
Montgomery C. Meigs played a critical role in building a number of well-known landmarks in D.C. To ensure his credit would be preserved in history, Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Meigs' name on
History & Discoveries

Article

Bringing Cannon Back to the Future

By Sarah Davis
| April 21, 2015
High in the sky, about 50 feet above the roof, a crane is peeking out of the Cannon House Office Building. This tower crane is part of the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) 10-year renewal project to improve and preserve the Cannon Building, which has not received a comprehensive systems upgrade
Brumidi's "War" is portrayed by Minerva, goddess of wisdom and battle, flying across a landscape accompanied by a cherub riding on an eagle.
History & Discoveries

Article

Six Special Rooms by Brumidi

By Sarah Davis
| July 2, 2019
Beginning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi decorated many walls and ceilings in the U.S. Capitol, most prominently in the Capitol Rotunda and the corridors of the Senate wing.
AOC's Joel Evans standing with the Supreme Court Building in the background.
Doing Good

Article

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.
History & Discoveries

Article

Dome Keepers

By Matt Guilfoyle
| March 13, 2010
Since that time nearly 150 years ago, while the Union was restored, multiple forces have been unrelenting in their attack on the Capitol—time, weather, and nature. Today, a small unit of men has the task of protecting and preserving this most important American icon. Led by Bryan Glotfelty and
History & Discoveries

Article

A Rotunda Roundup

By Sarah Davis
| August 5, 2015
A "rotunda" – featured in Classical and Neoclassical architecture – is a circular building or room covered by a dome. The U.S. Capitol's Rotunda is among the most recognizable and hallowed spaces within all of America's public buildings. This "Grand Vestibule" is home to many sculptures and historic
AOC employees discussing permit requirements during a self-inspection at the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Capitol Building Self-Inspections

By Erin Nelson
| June 16, 2020
The Architect of the Capitol continues to evaluate how best to keep our employees safe. One of the important ways we're advancing our safety efforts is through self-inspections, which are part of the agency's Strategic Plan.
Conditions of the U.S. Capitol's copper roof before replacement.
Projects

Article

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.
A five-pointed star was cut within seconds by the Architect of the Capitol Sheet Metal Shop.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Plasma Cutting Machine, a Matter of Precision

By Kate Holder
| March 10, 2020
It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound.
Official portrait of 12th Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Q&A with J. Brett Blanton, 12th Architect of the Capitol

By AOC Staff
| February 3, 2020
Seven quick questions with the newest Architect of the Capitol discussing his priorities, style of leadership and interests.
View of the Carson National Forest in New Mexico.
Programs & Events

Article

A Christmas Spruce from the Land of Enchantment

By Jim Kaufmann
| November 6, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.
The tombstone of Colonel Charles De Witt. Born 1727 - Died Aug. 27, 1787. Patriot, statesman and leader in the revolution. Voting to ratify the Declaration of Independence.
History & Discoveries

Article

Charles De Witt: Founding Farmer, A Life of Service

By Franklin Bradley
| July 23, 2019
Colonel Charles De Witt's career extended far beyond his home county, including being named as delegate to the Continental Congress.
The Capitol Materials Cart being shown to visitors in Emancipation Hall.
Programs & Events

Article

Cool Tools: Capitol Materials Cart

By Erin Courtney
| June 5, 2019
The new U.S. Capitol Materials Cart Program showcases a variety of AOC trades, including masonry, sheet metal, paint and wood-crafting.
The Blackjack painting discovered in the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Rediscovering Blackjack

By Erin Courtney
| May 14, 2019
During a recent renovation, members of the Architect of the Capitol uncovered a long-forgotten painting of the famous horse, Blackjack.
AOC Capitol Building jurisdiction employee proudly sporting their bump caps.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Making Heads Safer, One Bump Cap at a Time

By Cristin O'Brien
| July 11, 2018
The men and women who carry out the mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to serve, preserve and inspire are frequently in full view of the public. And then there are the staff that work behind the scenes, in corridors, crawlspaces and nooks that resemble secret passageways. These hidden
Paul Miller (left) and Anderson Alleyne (right) are two AOC employees that embody its mission to serve, preserve and inspire.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Preparing for the Moment Opportunity Knocks

By Erin Nelson
| April 10, 2019
After 12 years of service with the Virginia Army National Guard and two tours in Iraq, Anderson Alleyne began his career with the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) in 2013. He was hired as a night shift laborer in the Capitol Building jurisdiction and was responsible for maintaining the building's
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. Section of south wing, 1800s drawing by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.
History & Discoveries

Article

Jefferson Finds Capitol Inspiration in City of Light

By Franklin Bradley
| April 3, 2019
Have you seen the skylights in National Statuary Hall? Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the inspiration behind them? If you haven't seen them, you didn't miss them — the skylights haven't been in Statuary Hall, the former House of Representatives Chamber, for over 200 years. So long, in fact
AOC employees test an underground utility locator on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

We Dig Technology

By Erin Courtney
| March 26, 2019
Under a bright blue cloudless sky, Ronnie Pfiffer, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum pipefitter, stood on the West Front looking down with the focus and concentration of a Jedi. In his hands, he held not a lightsaber but a RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 Locator. The black and gold underground utility locator