History & Discoveries
Article
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.
Displaying 571 - 600 of 1017 Clear
Public Notice
Article
The United States Botanic Garden announces the reopening of the Children's Garden in the Conservatory. Families can enjoy the updated space, where children can explore and grow their imaginations. The garden features multiple updates including: a new platform discovery structure — a series of
Person
Nominated January 6, 1997; Retired February 4, 2007. Alan M. Hantman, FAIA, was appointed Architect of the Capitol for a 10-year term in 1997 and was the first Architect of the Capitol to undergo confirmation according to new procedures established by legislation in 1989. As Architect of the Capitol
Behind the Scenes
Article
How did Elliott Woods, someone with only a high school education, become the sixth Architect of the Capitol? Described during his lifetime as hardworking and humble, Elliott Woods can be considered an American success story. Born in 1865 during his parents' overseas trip in England, Woods began his
Public Notice
Article
To mark this year's centennial of America entering the Great War, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) recreated a War Garden as it would have been during World War I. These gardens, also referred to as Victory Gardens, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences, public parks
History & Discoveries
Article
Since its completion, the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C, has been a popular attraction – for ducks and humans! See the ramps developed to safely and effectively assist its ducklings.
Public Notice
Article
The Architect of the Capitol was recently awarded a 2017 John Russell Pope Award for Historic Preservation for the Dome Restoration Project. Augustine Angba, Tom Nowell and Chuck Badal accepted the award with employees of Historical Arts and Casting, the company responsible for recasting pieces of
Behind the Scenes
Article
Being at the Capitol can be a family affair, literally! Barry Boughton volunteers each Monday at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). Originally from Michigan, Barry was an attorney who moved to Washington, D.C. in 2001. A CVC volunteer since 2011, Barry also volunteers at the Library of Congress
Doing Good
Article
What started as a boy's after-school project request has turned into a man's mission.
History & Discoveries
Article
In second grade, I read "Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia" by Margaret Cousins. The book left me enthralled by the life of one of the greatest thinkers in American history. From birth to death, Franklin led a complex and interesting life. Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, inventor, writer and
History & Discoveries
Article
One of the overlooked gems on Capitol Hill, the Senate fountain, is nestled between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol, atop the Senate upper park. A hexagonal granite monolith with high jets of water spouting from its center, the Architect of the Capitol received authorization for its construction
History & Discoveries
Article
For $75 a month, you could rent a Capitol Hill apartment across the street from the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined brick sidewalks, broad alleys and neighbors who could be laborers, lawyers or congressmen. At least, you could 60 years ago. A view of the
Behind the Scenes
Article
Spring is the season of new beginnings when the Earth seems to come to life again. But it is the year-round planning, preparation and hard work of the Capitol Grounds team that ensures buds bloom, vibrant colors delight and fragrant flowers excite the senses on Capitol Hill. Ted Bechtol, Capitol
History & Discoveries
Article
Before I started my research for this article, I had already outlined it in my head. An introduction highlighting the 160th birthday of the passenger elevator followed by a short summary of our own first passenger elevator. As I explored the history of the first Capitol Hill elevator, I soon
From the Architect
Article
As many of you know, I love birds. I made the mistake of announcing at a meeting some time ago that I occasionally listen to CDs of bird calls and songs as I drive to and from work. Most of the members of my team have made fun of me since then, while a few other bird enthusiasts have secretly come
Behind the Scenes
Article
The AOC's Deputy Facility Manager at the United States Supreme Court Building began her engineering career path from a love of roller coasters. Now, in an effort to give back to the community, she volunteers with school robotics competitions and at STEM type expositions.
Behind the Scenes
Article
As the mother of a teenager, Christine Merdon is, to say the least, busy. Coaching her daughter's Odyssey of the Mind Team, traveling to basketball games, planning birthday parties and more occupy her nights and weekends. During the day, she fulfills a lifelong dream of working at the Architect of
Public Notice
Article
The United States Capitol Grounds was recently named an accredited arboretum. The grounds are now listed in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a comprehensive list of arboreta and public gardens that have a substantial focus on woody plants for the benefit of the public, science and conservation. As a
Public Notice
Article
Eugene Poole, an architect Planning and Project Management (PPM) at Architect of the Capitol (AOC), was the keynote speaker at the Phelps Academy of Engineering 2017 Winter Celebration and was presented an award for his unwavering support of the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High
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
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.
Behind the Scenes
Article
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
Programs & Events
Article
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
Projects
Article
Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans.
Behind the Scenes
Article
The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the U.S. Capitol campus. In addition to insulation, the shop also performs dust control and hazardous materials abatement.
Basic page
Recognizing the trust placed in us by Congress and the American people, the AOC team is committed to providing a safe environment and inspiring experiences for all who work and visit the symbol of American democracy. The AOC is rooted in a tradition of unique craftsmanship and ingenuity. Tracing its
From the Architect
Article
I long for the days when we can experience all of the magnificent national treasures on Capitol Hill as they were originally imagined. The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. These experiences are very powerful and
Behind the Scenes
Article
Many of the tools we use around the Capitol campus are unique, historic and essential to our mission — in other words, they are cool tools! We asked employees to tell us about their coolest tools, and this feature represents our latest find. In 1873, Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to
Doing Good
Article
Brian Roberson volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.