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A bowler hat discovered during the renewal of the Cannon House Office Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Cool Cannon Construction Finds

By Kristen Frederick
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During the process of renewing the Cannon House Office Building, workers have found hidden treasures that had been lost or discarded by the laborers who constructed the building more than 100 years ago. Here's a small sampling of what has been discovered since the start of the project.
The Cannon Building rotunda has been returned to its original appearance when the building opened in 1908.
Public Notice

Article

The Cannon Building's Refreshed Rotunda

By AOC Staff
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Phase 1 of the Cannon Renewal was recently completed and as members, staff and the public enter the Cannon House Office Building's historic rotunda, they will encounter something new — but it is actually something old. The rotunda has been returned to its original appearance when the building opened
Person working on a ceiling.
History & Discoveries

Article

Revealing a Tiled Treasure

By Kristen Frederick
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How a successful immigrant family left their mark on the U.S. Capitol campus, and Architect of the Capitol's work to clean and preserve a historic treasure: the Cannon House Office Building basement rotunda with a Guastavino tile vaulted ceiling intact as it was originally constructed in 1907.
Members of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum inspect a vehicle operating on the U.S. Capitol campus.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Reclaiming an Ordinary Day

By Erin Courtney
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It is easy to take for granted an ordinary day strolling across the beautiful landscaped grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Chirping birds, chittering squirrels, humming lawnmowers and the excited voices of children on their first visit to Washington, D.C., make up the soundtrack of the Capitol campus. In
AOC employees exemplify One Team, One Mission.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: One of My Favorite Things

By Stephen T. Ayers
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While Architect's Notebook is often used to write about architectural features found on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this time it's about Stephen Ayers' favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their giving and generous spirit.
Participants and instructors after lunch at Eco City Farm.
Doing Good

Article

U.S. Botanic Garden Helps Veterans with Urban Farming

By Devin Dotson
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Armed to Urban Farm is a new program presented by the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Center for Appropriate Technology to teach veterans about urban farming careers.
AOC Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum searches the Willamette National Forest in Oregon for the perfect U.S. Christmas Tree.
Programs & Events

Article

A 'Noble' Decision in Oregon: Selecting the Capitol Christmas Tree

By Jim Kaufmann
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The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, John Adams

By Sarah Davis
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Similar to many other Founding Fathers, John Adams appears in several pieces of art throughout the United States Capitol. He played a large role in the Declaration of Independence, and art involving the signing of this document is where he can be found the most.
Public Notice

Article

Harvesting Hope: Continuing Our Tradition of Helping Others

By AOC Staff
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Building on the success of last year's War Garden project, an Architect of the Capitol (AOC) gardening team identified and, in some cases, created additional beds to grow vegetables on the U.S. Capitol campus. Crops harvested from AOC gardens will be donated to local food banks.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Making Heads Safer, One Bump Cap at a Time

By Cristin O'Brien
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Hard hats are designed to protect from falling objects, not bumps in narrow spaces. A bump cap resembles an elongated baseball cap with a short brim. Inside are squares of gray foam in a checkerboard pattern. This lightweight cap is the key to head protection in tight spaces at the U.S. Capitol.
Map of Washington, D.C., in 1861.
History & Discoveries

Article

Profile in History: Job W. Angus

By Franklin Bradley
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The night before his assassination, President Lincoln dreamed that he was standing in a ship under full sail, rapidly approaching an indefinite shore. He reported having this dream before every major event of his presidency. Although those dreams were surely symbolic, Lincoln entered and left
Members of the U.S. Botanic Garden and U.S. Green Building Council in Bartholdi Park with the SITES Gold Certification.
Public Notice

Article

Renovated Bartholdi Park Achieves SITES Gold Certification

By USBG Staff
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U.S. Botanic Garden and Green Business Certification Inc. proudly announce Bartholdi Park is SITES Gold certified, and is the first Washington, D.C., project certified under SITES version 2. SITES is the most comprehensive system for designing, developing and maintaining sustainable land.
A visitor guide interacts with guests in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall.
Behind the Scenes

Article

By the Numbers: Capitol Visitor Center

By Laura Trivers
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The Capitol Visitor Center serves as the main entrance for visitors to the U.S. Capitol. It is a facility rich with informational exhibits, two gift shops, a cafe and two orientation theaters to enhance the visitor experience. AGE 10-YEARS OLD In December 2018, the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) will
Circular fountain on the U.S. Capitol's West Front.
History & Discoveries

Article

Calm and Collected Waters

By Sarah Davis
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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
The Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Finding Comfort In Balance

By Stephen T. Ayers
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It is human nature to try to find order and balance in our surroundings. One of the ways I do this in my own life is to be as organized as possible. My desk is proof of this as it is always arranged neatly with nothing out of place. This gives me a sense of ease so I can focus on other tasks at hand
AOC's LaTisha Williams, custodial worker supervisor in the House Office Buildings Day Cleaning division.
Doing Good

Article

Serving with Encouragement

By Laura Condeluci
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Although the sign on LaTisha Williams' desk reads, "Solutions Please," it could just as easily say, "Find Encouragement Here." With a ready smile that radiates warmth, Williams is always quick to serve and to praise others, with a personality that draws colleagues, employees and friends toward her
Numbers found on the pediment.
History & Discoveries

Article

The $28,000,000 Question

By Dr. Michele Cohen
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Since 1863, Thomas Crawford's marble sculptural group " Progress of Civilization" has stood in the pediment above the Senate doors on the East Front of the Capitol. Its details have always been difficult to see from the ground, but the scaffold erected for the recent stone restoration project
Columns in a room.
History & Discoveries

Article

Bold Legacies Endure

By Franklin Bradley
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In March, we celebrate Women's History Month as bursts of bright color spring from blossoms across the campus. Just as these first flowers must be the most hardy to survive the blustery transition from winter into spring, the women represented around the U.S. Capitol are no shrinking violets. Don't
A current view of the U.S. Capitol, Room HB-29, which once served as a bakery during the Civil War.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: Capitol Building Superintendent's Office

By Erin Nelson
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Since its founding in 1793, the United States Capitol Building has been an enduring symbol of freedom and the democratic process that happens within its walls. Photos of the building are in no short supply, especially in Washington, D.C., where the 288-foot tall building looms in the skyline. Photos
View of the U.S. Capitol from the southwest in March of 2017.
History & Discoveries

Article

Congress' Role in Time

By Matt Ericson
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On March 10, 2018, the Capitol Visitor Center hosted a teacher workshop to think about these issues and learn about Congress' role in time. The "Congress and Time" workshop included a tour of Capitol clocks with House Curator Farar Elliott and a session building a sundial with Lee Coykendall
Intern Mary Delaney learns about an air handling unit from AOC Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Worker Valarie Buggie to better understand the parts and services required by heating and cooling systems.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Looking Ahead for Talent — Finding the Next Win

By AOC Staff
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"This program far exceeded what I expected," said Supply Management Officer Paul Venturella. He was speaking of the pilot program to have college students earn class credit while applying their specialized knowledge and skills to advance the work of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). The first
A small bust of George Washington carved into the Car of History marble chariot.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: A Washington Connection

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Even after working with this agency for more than 20 years, I continue to discover little surprises in the buildings, grounds and art cared for by our employees. I was recently walking in National Statuary Hall's upper gallery and stopped at the " Car of History" clock by Carlo Franzoni where I saw
Close-up photo of lion detail at the Supreme Court Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Symbolism Roars to Life on Capitol Hill

By Marty Shore
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It is said, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." Many people reference this saying when discussing the weather. And historically, some of our biggest snow accumulations and stormiest weather have pounced the Capitol campus in early March only to be nuzzled out by warm sunshine and
The Snow Rodeo training exercise on a new piece of snow removal equipment, the Ditch Witch SK600 mini skid steer
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: The Ditch Witch

By Erin Courtney
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Well before winter, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) prepares snow equipment, procures rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviews the emergency and essential personnel snow response plans. And with good reason. Clearing snow around the Capitol complex in January 2018. The AOC is responsible for
Flag flying at half staff.
Programs & Events

Article

Supporting the Final Goodbyes of a Grateful Nation

By AOC Staff
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Lying in Honor calls for coordination across the campus, and the solemnity of the event requires a commitment to excellence to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Orchid Show at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Programs & Events

Article

Exploring Orchid Diversity

By Devin Dotson
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Found on every continent except Antarctica, orchids showcase a wide spectrum of diversity in color, shape, size, habitat, scent and many other aspects. Beginning this Friday, immerse yourself in the United States Botanic Garden's (USBG) annual orchid show, "Orchid Spectrum," presented in
Visitor Guides Andrew Tremel, Carrie Gallagher and Brandon Hintze who made the Student Program so successful.
Programs & Events

Article

Visitor Guides Help Students Experience the Legislative Process

By Laura Trivers
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"Ladies and gentlemen," the committee chair said, calling to order the newly sworn in senators. "We have important business to consider today. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed needs our help to lessen nitrogen run-off – and its environmental impacts." The chair of the Environment and Public Works
Condition of the stone on the Russell Building pre-restoration.
Projects

Article

Leave No Stone Unrestored

By Justin Kieffer
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All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone.
2017 Highlights
Behind the Scenes

Article

Ten Memorable Moments of 2017

By Sarah Davis
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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
Group photo of members of the AOC Capitol Grounds team with the Safety Sign.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Solving Problems One Challenge at a Time

By Erin Courtney
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One of the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) strategic goals is to foster an innovative and empowered workforce. Achieving this goal will ensure that AOC staff will exercise greater responsibility for performance, proactively apply well-informed judgement and innovation, to solve problems with