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History & Discoveries

Article

Dome Keepers

By Matt Guilfoyle
| March 13, 2010
Since that time nearly 150 years ago, while the Union was restored, multiple forces have been unrelenting in their attack on the Capitol—time, weather, and nature. Today, a small unit of men has the task of protecting and preserving this most important American icon. Led by Bryan Glotfelty and
Conditions of the U.S. Capitol's copper roof before replacement.
Projects

Article

Continuous Care of the U.S. Capitol Roof

By Laura Condeluci
| March 25, 2020
Like most beloved national treasures from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol Building roof requires continuous care.
A five-pointed star was cut within seconds by the Architect of the Capitol Sheet Metal Shop.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Plasma Cutting Machine, a Matter of Precision

By Kate Holder
| March 10, 2020
It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound.
Official portrait of 12th Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Q&A with J. Brett Blanton, 12th Architect of the Capitol

By AOC Staff
| February 3, 2020
Seven quick questions with the newest Architect of the Capitol discussing his priorities, style of leadership and interests.
View of the Carson National Forest in New Mexico.
Programs & Events

Article

A Christmas Spruce from the Land of Enchantment

By Jim Kaufmann
| November 6, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.
Close look at a door hinge in the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, patented Nov. 22, 1887.
Projects

Article

Fire Egress at the Library of Congress

By Erin Nelson
| September 3, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol's Construction Division with the support of the AOC Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdiction worked together to complete the Fire Door Improvements project.
This donated orchid adds to the rich heritage and importance of the U.S. Botanic Garden's collection.
Programs & Events

Article

U.S. Botanic Garden Orchids Gain 600 New Siblings

By Devin Dotson
| August 6, 2019
This newly donated collection — the second largest single donation in U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) history — adds to the rich heritage and importance of the USBG's orchid collection.
The tombstone of Colonel Charles De Witt. Born 1727 - Died Aug. 27, 1787. Patriot, statesman and leader in the revolution. Voting to ratify the Declaration of Independence.
History & Discoveries

Article

Charles De Witt: Founding Farmer, A Life of Service

By Franklin Bradley
| July 23, 2019
Colonel Charles De Witt's career extended far beyond his home county, including being named as delegate to the Continental Congress.
Brumidi's "War" is portrayed by Minerva, goddess of wisdom and battle, flying across a landscape accompanied by a cherub riding on an eagle.
History & Discoveries

Article

Six Special Rooms by Brumidi

By Sarah Davis
| July 2, 2019
Beginning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi decorated many walls and ceilings in the U.S. Capitol, most prominently in the Capitol Rotunda and the corridors of the Senate wing.
The Capitol Materials Cart being shown to visitors in Emancipation Hall.
Programs & Events

Article

Cool Tools: Capitol Materials Cart

By Erin Courtney
| June 5, 2019
The new U.S. Capitol Materials Cart Program showcases a variety of AOC trades, including masonry, sheet metal, paint and wood-crafting.
The Blackjack painting discovered in the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Rediscovering Blackjack

By Erin Courtney
| May 14, 2019
During a recent renovation, members of the Architect of the Capitol uncovered a long-forgotten painting of the famous horse, Blackjack.
The artifacts in this photograph were passed down through the family of Brumidi's third wife and given to the Architect of the Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Personal Artifacts of a Capitol Artist

By AOC Curator Office
| May 6, 2019
Constantino Brumidi, born in Rome in 1805, was fully trained in classical and Renaissance painting techniques, including true fresco. He painted murals for Popes and princes and was considered one of the city's best artists. In 1852 he emigrated to the United States. In 1855, after painting a trial
Paul Miller (left) and Anderson Alleyne (right) are two AOC employees that embody its mission to serve, preserve and inspire.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Preparing for the Moment Opportunity Knocks

By Erin Nelson
| April 10, 2019
After 12 years of service with the Virginia Army National Guard and two tours in Iraq, Anderson Alleyne began his career with the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) in 2013. He was hired as a night shift laborer in the Capitol Building jurisdiction and was responsible for maintaining the building's
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. Section of south wing, 1800s drawing by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Retrieved from the Library of Congress.
History & Discoveries

Article

Jefferson Finds Capitol Inspiration in City of Light

By Franklin Bradley
| April 3, 2019
Have you seen the skylights in National Statuary Hall? Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the inspiration behind them? If you haven't seen them, you didn't miss them — the skylights haven't been in Statuary Hall, the former House of Representatives Chamber, for over 200 years. So long, in fact
AOC employees test an underground utility locator on the West Front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

We Dig Technology

By Erin Courtney
| March 26, 2019
Under a bright blue cloudless sky, Ronnie Pfiffer, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum pipefitter, stood on the West Front looking down with the focus and concentration of a Jedi. In his hands, he held not a lightsaber but a RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 Locator. The black and gold underground utility locator
Restoring the windows of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
History & Discoveries

Article

Preserving Historic Windows and Doors

By Kristen Frederick
| February 12, 2019
One of the main goals of the Cannon Renewal project is to preserve as much of the Cannon House Office Building's historic material as possible, allowing future generations the opportunity to experience and marvel at what was created at the turn of the 20th century. When stone, wood and glass are
Close-up view of bronze door handle in the shape of a snake. Once part of the entrance to the U.S. Capitol's House chamber.
History & Discoveries

Article

Cast in a New Light: The Capitol Bronze Shop (1855-1859)

By Kate Holder
| February 8, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Building jurisdiction preserves and maintains the U.S. Capitol with the help of its many shops such as the Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Paint and Plumbing divisions. At a critical time in the building's evolution, there was also a Capitol Bronze Shop
A bowler hat discovered during the renewal of the Cannon House Office Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Cool Cannon Construction Finds

By Kristen Frederick
| January 3, 2019
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 Cannon Renewal project
History & Discoveries

Article

Revealing a Tiled Treasure

By Kristen Frederick
| December 18, 2018
The year is 1881. In September, U.S. President James Garfield has unexpectedly died due to complications from a thwarted assassination attempt that occurred in July. A day later, Chester A. Arthur is sworn in as president. The population of the United States is just north of 50 million people, and
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
| November 27, 2018
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
| November 16, 2018
While I often use this space to write about some of my favorite architectural features found on Capitol Hill, I want to use this Architect's Notebook to write about my favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their spirit and their giving and generous
Participants and instructors after lunch at Eco City Farm.
Doing Good

Article

U.S. Botanic Garden Helps Veterans with Urban Farming

By Devin Dotson
| November 6, 2018
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
| November 1, 2018
The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.
"Declaration of Independence" scene from the Frieze of American History found in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, John Adams

By Sarah Davis
| October 30, 2018
John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, in Massachusetts. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a diplomat in Europe and would go on to become the first vice president, and second president, of the United States of America. Similar to many other Founding Fathers, Adams appears in several
AOC Capitol Building jurisdiction employee proudly sporting their bump caps.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Making Heads Safer, One Bump Cap at a Time

By Cristin O'Brien
| July 11, 2018
The men and women who carry out the mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to serve, preserve and inspire are frequently in full view of the public. And then there are the staff that work behind the scenes, in corridors, crawlspaces and nooks that resemble secret passageways. These hidden
Close-up detail photo with Statue of Freedom during conservation in 1993.
History & Discoveries

Article

Evolution of Women in Art at the U.S. Capitol

By Michele Cohen, Ph.D.
| July 17, 2018
Women have long played roles in Capitol art. In the 19th century, they appeared primarily as allegorical figures in murals and architectural sculpture representing ideals, not individuals. However, as women took on more prominent positions in society and won basic rights (such as the vote, in 1920)
America the Beautiful poem written on a wall in the Cox Corridors of the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

By Sarah Davis
| July 3, 2018
"America the Beautiful" began as a poem by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893. It was later combined with music by Samuel Augustus Ward to form the patriotic song many of us know today. I've been thinking of this song often with the July Fourth holiday coming up, and interpretations of its lyrics are
Map of Washington, D.C., in 1861.
History & Discoveries

Article

Profile in History: Job W. Angus

By Franklin Bradley
| June 28, 2018
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
A visitor guide interacts with guests in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall.
History & Discoveries

Article

By the Numbers: Capitol Visitor Center

By Laura Trivers
| June 21, 2018
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
| June 20, 2018
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