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History & Discoveries

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From the Archives: Bike Racks on Capitol Hill

By Curator Division
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Architect of the Capitol archives reveal historical documents showing the purchase of the first bike racks on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Back in 1896, the Lawn Cycle Stand Manufacturing Co. was hired by the AOC to provide bike stands for the United States Capitol Building. Parking in
History & Discoveries

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Keeping History in Perspective

By Stephen T. Ayers
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In 2013 as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol's current cast iron dome, I think it's also important to remember the Capitol's humble roots in the early years of the nation's budding democracy. The man behind the Capitol's original wood and
Behind the Scenes

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Rising High – AOC's Elevator Mechanics

By Lori Taylor
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"We deal with a lot of history." No, those aren't the words of the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Curator office. It's Ron Bailey, shop supervisor of the Library Buildings and Grounds Elevator Division, who runs some of the oldest elevator systems on Capitol Hill, the oldest of which date back to
History & Discoveries

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Five Items Not to Miss at the U.S. Capitol

By Sharon Gang
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Sharon Gang, Communications & Marketing Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) lists some lesser known highlights not to miss when you visit the United States Capitol. Most visitors are drawn to admire the obvious "big ticket" items at the U.S. Capitol Building – the Rotunda paintings, the

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House Shops

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Building Engineer Branch Responsible for construction, maintenance and repair of the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection and industrial equipment systems located throughout the buildings. Carpentry Branch Provides wood crafting, carpentry, key services and preventative

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Capitol Shops

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Carpentry Division Provides fine architectural millwork, design solutions and carpentry services. AOC's carpenters manufacture, install and craft high-quality woodworking throughout the Capitol Building. Electrical Division Responsible for maintenance and repair of the electrical and life safety

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Frederick Douglass Statue

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The statue of noted abolitionist Frederick Douglass features him standing beside a lectern and an inkwell with quill pen sits in reference to his work as an author.
Drawing.
History & Discoveries

Article

Constructing the Capitol: The Oven

By Matt Guilfoyle
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Control of the office thermostat – an office debate that has probably existed since the first one was installed – becomes even more "heated" in humid Washington summers. Too hot or too cold – there is no pleasing everyone, but while today the AOC provides a climate-controlled environment to the
Behind the Scenes

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Teaming Up for Accessibility

By Kristen Frederick
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See how a team of tradecrafts experts at the Architect of the Capitol transform an office in the Cannon House Office Building into a completely wheelchair-accessible suite in less than four weeks. The condensed timeframe required precise planning and coordination efforts.
Behind the Scenes

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The Many Hats of the AOC from A to Z

By Matt Guilfoyle
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The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) plays a leadership role in decisions from the policing of Capitol Hill; to national standards of historic preservation; to supporting development of industry standards in fire safety, capital project management and security infrastructure. AOC's involvement falls
Painted portrait of Elliott Woods, Sixth Architect of the Capitol

Person

Elliott Woods

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Appointed February 19, 1902; Died in office May 22, 1923. Elliott Woods was appointed "Superintendent of the Capitol Building and Grounds" to fill the vacancy caused by Edward Clark's death. Because Woods was not an architect, the name of the office was changed to "Superintendent." The title
Behind the Scenes

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Inspired by the Past, Preserving for the Future

By Lori Taylor
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Meet the AOC's decorative painters at the Library of Congress who work to preserve the ornate designs of one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Go behind the scenes and see the techniques used to keep the Thomas Jefferson Building looking as striking as it did when it first opened in 1897.

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Library Shops

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The Superintendent of the Library of Congress Buildings and Grounds, under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol, is responsible for the day-to-day structural, mechanical, electrical and vertical transportation care of the Library of Congress Buildings and Grounds. This includes the
Behind the Scenes

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Beyond the Dome – Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center

By Erin Nelson
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The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for managing all of the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region. One such facility is the Library of Congress Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center
Doing Good

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Moving Offices. Improving Lives.

By Franklin Bradley
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"You've got to shine," says Tony Blue, a woodcrafter's helper working for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) through a partnership with So Others Might Eat (SOME). "That's what our SOME instructor told us — be on your best, do your best and always try to learn something different." So Others Might
Black and white photo.
History & Discoveries

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A "Slight" Capitol Contribution

By Kristen Frederick
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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.

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Gabriel “Gabe” Zimmerman Plaque

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History & Discoveries

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Philip Reid and the Statue of Freedom

By AOC Staff
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One of the most significant contributions by an African American slave in the construction of the Capitol was made by Philip Reid.
History & Discoveries

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More Historically Accurate: Lincoln or Vampire Hunter?

By Matt Guilfoyle
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AOC Public Affairs Officer Matt Guilfoyle watches "Lincoln" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"-- and is surprised by which film more accurately depicts the U.S. Capitol. Instead of going to the movies, I am one of those people who "wait to see it on-demand" and recently had the opportunity to
History & Discoveries

Article

Squirrels on Capitol Grounds

By Curator Division
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Take a look through the AOC’s historical records to investigate the history of the squirrel at the U.S. Capitol.

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Senate Work Request

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When accessing the Senate Work Request Application, you will be asked to login to the with your unique User ID and Password. Once logged in, your personal inbox displays all requests you have entered with the status of each request. From your Inbox you can: Review details of a work request Click on
Trees lining a body of water.
History & Discoveries

Article

A Cornerstone of American History

By Matt Guilfoyle
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Walk in the footsteps of the masons and laborers who worked the quarry at Government Island in Aquia, Virginia, to gather stone for the U.S. Capitol more than 200 years ago. On a cold March day, I decided to take a field trip back in time to a place where you can run your hands along history, and

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Rosa Parks Statue

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Rosa Parks' statue was unveiled in National Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol, approximately 100 years after her birth on February 4, 1913. This statue depicts Parks seated on a rock-like formation of which she seems almost a part, symbolizing her famous refusal to give up her bus seat in
View of a room with columns.
Public Notice

Article

Rosa Parks Statue Joins U.S. Capitol Art Collection

By AOC Staff
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Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, today shared some details about the Rosa Parks statue that is slated to join the U.S. Capitol Art Collection following an unveiling ceremony on February 27, 2013, hosted by House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
History & Discoveries

Article

America's Greatest Engineer?

By Matt Guilfoyle
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For an organization known as the Architect of the Capitol – celebrating engineers may not be without controversy. But as a communication professional, I am neutral in the timeless "battle" between these two professions. And, in truth, America's greatest buildings could not have been built without
History & Discoveries

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Windows of Capitol Hill

By Stephen T. Ayers
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"Even at the United Nations, where legend has it that the building was designed so that there could be no corner offices, the expanse of glass in individual offices is said to be a dead giveaway as to rank. Five windows are excellent, one window not so great." – Enid Nemy Recently I was honored to
Behind the Scenes

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Capturing the Seasons

By Curator Division
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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.
Behind the Scenes

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A Legacy of Service

By Sharon Gang
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You never forget your first real job. A good one, with a good mentor, can ingrain work habits that will be carried with you throughout your career. My first job after college was on Capitol Hill working as a staff assistant for then-Rep. Daniel K. Akaka. At the end of the 112th Congress, now-Senator
History & Discoveries

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Deciphering the Calendar Stone in the Capitol Rotunda

By Matt Guilfoyle
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Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Matt Guilfoyle investigates the myth of the Mayan Calendar at the U.S. Capitol. The Mayan Calendar has drawn a lot of attention lately, largely surrounded by myth and misunderstanding. It has even drawn focus to a lesser-known image in " The Frieze of American
Programs & Events

Article

Nearly Nine Million Visitors Later

By Sharon Gang
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December 2 has been an important anniversary at the U.S. Capitol since 1863 when the final section of the Statue of Freedom was installed atop the dome. The accomplishment was heralded by gun salutes from the forts that ringed Washington. Since 2008, however, December 2 has signified another