Displaying 541 - 570 of 1006 Clear
Project
To properly restore the Olmsted Terrace, a six-phased project is underway by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to repair the masonry at the terrace walls.
History & Discoveries
Article
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
History & Discoveries
Article
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
History & Discoveries
Article
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
Behind the Scenes
Article
"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
Project
In 2017 the Architect of the Capitol completed a long-term conservation effort to restore the murals of the Brumidi Corridors on the first floor of the U.S. Capitol's Senate wing.
From the Architect
Article
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
History & Discoveries
Article
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
Behind the Scenes
Article
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
Programs & Events
Article
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.
Programs & Events
Article
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
Programs & Events
Article
"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
Projects
Article
All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone.
Behind the Scenes
Article
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
Behind the Scenes
Article
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
History & Discoveries
Article
The cornucopia, a traditional symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday, appears in a variety of places in the U.S. Capitol including the Rotunda and Brumidi Corridors.
Programs & Events
Article
To mark the centennial of the U.S. entering World War I, AOC's Library Buildings and Grounds staff recreated period-appropriate "War Gardens."
Programs & Events
Article
Sometimes you know right away, when you catch a glimpse through the crowd, then time slows down and your heart skips a beat. Sometimes you recognize the potential, but want to keep your options open in case something better comes along. Sometimes people may think you're being too picky, but you just
History & Discoveries
Article
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) legacy is rooted in the very beginnings of Washington, D.C., with the laying of the U.S. Capitol cornerstone in 1793. As the country grew, so did the Capitol campus and, with it, the AOC's responsibilities. Click the image above to enlarge. Over the course of our
Behind the Scenes
Article
Some AOC employees are highly visible, while others work behind the scenes to preserve the awe-inspiring facilities on Capitol Hill. Learn more about the work of this team, beginning at 4 a.m. each morning.
History & Discoveries
Article
On Friday, October 13, I took a stairwell down two levels below the U.S. Capitol basement, entered a locked storage area, climbed a ladder into the air shaft below the House Extension and carefully shimmied through the dark and dusty bowels of the building. Rounding a corner, Architect of the
History & Discoveries
Article
Bartholdi Park is a wonderful spot for eating lunch, finding a new favorite plant, enjoying a quiet moment and taking a break from a busy day. Originally created in 1932, the U.S. Botanic Garden's (USBG) Bartholdi Park had served as a changing home demonstration garden for more than 80 years, and
History & Discoveries
Article
The O'Neill House Office Building was constructed in the early 1960s. Originally known as Federal Office Building No. 8, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to name the building after the late former Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill in 2012. Federal Office Building No. 8 was the Food
Project
Restoring areas of the U.S. Capitol to represent an appropriate period as determined by the curatorial community.
Project
The United States Capitol Dome, symbol of American democracy and world-renowned architectural icon, was constructed of cast iron more than 150 years ago. The restoration project consisted of repairing more than 1,000 cracks to make the Dome watertight and included the restoration and replacement of
From the Architect
Article
Many of our monumental buildings on Capitol Hill were designed and constructed using classical orders of architecture. When designing and constructing the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), we were challenged to design and construct a building using modern materials and technology that is a
Project
The Cannon Renewal Project provides an effective workplace for the next century to serve the needs of the U.S. House of Representatives and support Congressional operations.
Doing Good
Article
One person's small act of compassion can start a chain reaction of kindness. Such is the story of a 16-year-old girl named Brittney James, who saw a commercial on TV and decided to sponsor a three-year-old Kenyan named Newton. Brittney hoped to one day meet Newton, but three years later she was
Public Notice
Article
For the first time in the history of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), three corpse flowers ( Amorphophallus titanum) are about to bloom at the USBG Conservatory. The plants went on display Tuesday, August 8. One of the plants is the first corpse flower to bloom that the USBG has grown from seed. The
Behind the Scenes
Article
A small and seemingly simple tool used by the Architect of the Capitol sheet metal mechanics reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. This deburring tool removes sharp edges from metal which must be custom fit to unique spaces.