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Programs & Events

Article

Branching Out: A Search for Christmas in Alaska's Rainforest

By Jim Kaufmann, Executive Director
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While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
History & Discoveries

Article

The Liberty Cap: Symbol of American Freedom

By AOC Staff
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The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.
Person standing next to shelves.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Leading by Example

By Erin Nelson
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Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.

Landing Page

Trees on the U.S. Capitol Grounds

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The U.S. Capitol Grounds feature a collection of more than 4,800 trees throughout the entire 286-acre Capitol campus.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Arborists on Campus — The Art of Tree Care

By Carol Campos
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Thanking those who keep our trees thriving.

Highlight

NASA's Artemis Missions Tree

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This sweetgum was grown from the array of different seeds that flew nearly 270,000 miles from Earth and circled the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Person in front of a building.
Public Notice

Article

13th Architect of the Capitol Sworn In

By AOC Staff
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Thomas E. Austin, PE, CCM, PMP, has taken the oath of office.

Landing Page

Architects of the Capitol

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The role of the Architect not only directs the construction of Capitol buildings but also supervises the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the entire Capitol campus.
Two people looking at a control panel.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Ducts in a Row

By Madeleine Lucchetti
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The experts at the House Mechanic Shop meticulously oversee campus HVAC systems, ensuring building temperatures are optimal for both daily operations and historic preservation.

Highlight

Senator Chuck Grassley Tree

By
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The bur oak has been recognized as the state tree of Iowa since 1961 and it stands as a timeless symbol of longevity, resilience, stability and strength. This tree, appropriately located on the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol Grounds, honors Senator Grassley's service in the U.S. Senate.

Person

Thomas E. Austin

By
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As the 13th Architect of the Capitol, Thomas E. Austin is responsible for leading the agency's mission to preserve and maintain the historic buildings and grounds across the Capitol campus.
Public Notice

Article

Tree Dedicated Honoring NASA's Artemis Missions

By AOC Staff
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This sweetgum was grown from the array of different seeds that flew nearly 270,000 miles from Earth and circled the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Portrait of a person.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Meet the Historic Preservation Officer

By Aimee Jorjani
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Donna Klee has worked for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for more than 10 years and was named the agency's Historic Preservation Officer in the fall of 2023. In this capacity, she works to implement the agency's preservation policy.
Sky and exterior of a building.

Project

Adams Building Roof Replacement and Fall Protection

By
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This two-phase project will replace the 85-year-old copper roof of the Library of Congress' John Adams Building.

Highlight

Representative John R. Lewis Tree

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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree sponsored by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to honor Rep. John R. Lewis.
Projects

Article

A House for All Seasons

By Justin Kieffer
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More than 140 years later, the Architect of the Capitol's Summerhouse still offers visitors respite. Recent maintenance efforts will help keep the site around for repeat visitors and first timers alike.
Magazine cover.
Public Notice

Article

Volume 28 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

By AOC Staff
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Highlights include articles focused on a project at the Summerhouse, sustainability at the U.S. Botanic Garden, HVAC work in the House office buildings and a spotlight on preservation.
People planting a tree.
Public Notice

Article

Tree Dedicated in Memory of Christopher Vetick

By AOC Staff
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Located in Capitol Square, N.W., across from the Summerhouse.

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Christopher Vetick Tree

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A tree honoring the life and service of Mr. Christopher Vetick, Architect of the Capitol (AOC) former Deputy Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum.
Flag of the United States of America near the U.S. Capitol Dome.
Public Notice

Article

2024 Legislative Branch Industry Day at the U.S. Capitol

By AOC Staff
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The Architect of the Capitol, along with other legislative branch procurement offices, are hosting the event on June 25, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Congressional Auditorium.
Person standing in an aisle between shelves.
Behind the Scenes

Article

AOC Experts Keep it Cool for Historic Preservation Efforts

By Madeleine Lucchetti
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When it comes to preserving the Library of Congress' record-breaking collection of more than 175 million items — including books, historical materials and cultural artifacts — the Architect of the Capitol staff plays an instrumental role in keeping things cool.
History & Discoveries

Article

The Original Olmsted Trees

By Capitol Grounds and Arboretum
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Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.

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Olmsted Willow Oak

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There is one original willow oak tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Swamp Chestnut Oak

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There is one original swamp chestnut oak tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Bigleaf Linden

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There is one original bigleaf linden tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Kentucky Coffeetree

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There is one original Kentucky coffeetree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Wych Elm

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There is one original Wych elm tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Cucumber Magnolia

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There is one original cucumber magnolia tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted White Oak

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There are two original white oak trees still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.

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Olmsted Yellow Buckeye

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There is one original yellow buckeye tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.