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The Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Finding Comfort In Balance

By Stephen T. Ayers
| June 12, 2018
It is human nature to try to find order and balance in our surroundings. One of the ways I do this in my own life is to be as organized as possible. My desk is proof of this as it is always arranged neatly with nothing out of place. This gives me a sense of ease so I can focus on other tasks at hand
Floor tile at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Art of Walking Across History

By Cristin O'Brien
| June 1, 2018
Awareness of your surroundings can help prevent a slip, trip or fall — you might also spot some amazing things. I live with a two year old. Jumping, climbing and dancing are skills practiced in abundance — picking up toys is not. I will regularly find a dump truck parked on the stairs, a stuffed owl
AOC's LaTisha Williams, custodial worker supervisor in the House Office Buildings Day Cleaning division.
Doing Good

Article

Serving with Encouragement

By Laura Condeluci
| May 16, 2018
Although the sign on LaTisha Williams' desk reads, "Solutions Please," it could just as easily say, "Find Encouragement Here." With a ready smile that radiates warmth, Williams is always quick to serve and to praise others, with a personality that draws colleagues, employees and friends toward her
Behind the Scenes

Article

Honoring Service, Sacrifice and a Unique Partnership

By Tony Edmonds
| May 14, 2018
As Director of Security Programs (OSP) for the Architect of the Capitol, keeping the U.S. Capitol campus safe is job one. And it is also a team effort – one that could not happen without the dedication and professionalism of the United States Capitol Police (USCP). This week, during the observation
Numbers found on the pediment.
History & Discoveries

Article

The $28,000,000 Question

By Michele Cohen, Ph.D.
| April 17, 2018
Since 1863, Thomas Crawford's marble sculptural group "Progress of Civilization" has stood in the pediment above the Senate doors on the East Front of the Capitol. Its details have always been difficult to see from the ground, but the scaffold erected for the recent stone restoration project allowed
History & Discoveries

Article

Bold Legacies Endure

By Franklin Bradley
| March 30, 2018
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
A current view of the U.S. Capitol, Room HB-29, which once served as a bakery during the Civil War.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: Capitol Building Superintendent's Office

By Erin Nelson
| March 27, 2018
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
View of the U.S. Capitol from the southwest in March of 2017.
History & Discoveries

Article

Congress' Role in Time

By Matt Ericson
| March 21, 2018
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
Intern Mary Delaney learns about an air handling unit from AOC Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Worker Valarie Buggie to better understand the parts and services required by heating and cooling systems.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Looking Ahead for Talent — Finding the Next Win

By AOC Staff
| March 19, 2018
"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
A small bust of George Washington carved into the Car of History marble chariot.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: A Washington Connection

By Stephen T. Ayers
| March 13, 2018
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 a
Close-up photo of lion detail at the Supreme Court Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Symbolism Roars to Life on Capitol Hill

By Marty Shore
| March 6, 2018
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
The Snow Rodeo training exercise on a new piece of snow removal equipment, the Ditch Witch SK600 mini skid steer
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: The Ditch Witch

By Erin Courtney
| March 1, 2018
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
Rosa Parks lay in honor in Capitol Rotunda October 30-31, 2005.
Programs & Events

Article

Supporting the Final Goodbyes of a Grateful Nation

By Erin Courtney
| February 26, 2018
The Rotunda of the United States Capitol has long been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens. On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, the late Reverend Billy Graham will be brought to the U.S. Capitol to lie in honor. With this distinction
Orchid Show at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Programs & Events

Article

Exploring Orchid Diversity

By Devin Dotson
| February 21, 2018
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
Visitor Guides Andrew Tremel, Carrie Gallagher and Brandon Hintze who made the Student Program so successful.
Programs & Events

Article

Visitor Guides Help Students Experience the Legislative Process

By Laura Trivers
| January 31, 2018
"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
Condition of the stone on the Russell Building pre-restoration.
Projects

Article

Leave No Stone Unrestored

By Justin Kieffer
| January 11, 2018
All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone.
2017 Highlights
History & Discoveries

Article

Ten Memorable Moments of 2017

By Sarah Davis
| December 20, 2017
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
'Premium Picasso' (left) and 'Jingle Bell' (right) pointsettias.
Programs & Events

Article

Poinsettias Flourish at the U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson
| December 22, 2017
If you stop by the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) through New Year's Day, you can see 'Jingle Bell' (pictured, above right) and 'Jingle Bell Rock' that are red with pink or white splashes. You might also enjoy finding 'Peppermint Ruffles' with its pink tones or 'Autumn Leaves' displaying unexpected
Group photo of members of the AOC Capitol Grounds team with the Safety Sign.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Solving Problems One Challenge at a Time

By Erin Courtney
| November 29, 2017
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
The lunette "Telegraph" by Brumidi in the now Lyndon B. Johnson Room, S-211.
History & Discoveries

Article

Plenty to Be Thankful For

By Sarah Davis
| November 20, 2017
The fall season is known for cooler weather, leaves changing colors, football, apple picking and pumpkins. With Thanksgiving upon us this week, I also can't help but think of family, turkey and pie. Another traditional symbol of the upcoming holiday is the cornucopia. A cornucopia is often used to
2017 War Gardens
Programs & Events

Article

Sowing the Seeds of Victory

By Erin Courtney
| November 15, 2017
At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the United States remained on the sidelines as America continued to engage in commerce with European countries on both sides of the conflict. However, by early 1917 the United States had begun to prepare for war. Following the sinking of the ocean
Searching for "The One"
Programs & Events

Article

Finding "The One"

By Ted Bechtol
| November 9, 2017
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
Groundbreaking at the Hart Senate Office Building.
History & Discoveries

Article

Growth in Major Facilities Under AOC's Care

By Andrew Dentamaro
| November 8, 2017
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
Robert Gannon smoothes out imperfections in a plaster cast.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Behind the Scenes: Senate Office Buildings Masonry Branch

By Elizabeth Yoder
| November 1, 2017
Some Architect of the Capitol employees are highly visible, while others work behind the scenes to preserve the awe-inspiring facilities on Capitol Hill. Go behind the scenes to learn more about the work of the Senate Office Buildings Masonry Branch beginning at 4 a.m. each morning.
Capitol Dome out of focus, branch in foreground.
History & Discoveries

Article

Who or What Goes There?

By Erin Courtney
| October 31, 2017
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
Black and white photo of the Capitol Power Plant's interior.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Power Plant: A Century of Service

By AOC Staff
| December 5, 2010
This year, the Capitol Power Plant marks 100 years of steady service of steam and chilled water to heat and cool the Capitol. In that century of service, the plant has undergone significant changes as new buildings were built, and more modern and efficient equipment was installed. What hasn't
A view of the renovated Bartholdi Park.
History & Discoveries

Article

Renovated Bartholdi Park is a SITE(S) to Behold

By Devin Dotson
| October 25, 2017
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
Federal Office Building No. 8, now known as the O’Neill House Office Building, under original construction. Photo courtesy of the FDA.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: O'Neill House Office Building

By Erin Nelson
| October 18, 2017
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
Capitol Visitor Center architecture that borrows from historic Capitol Building architecture.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Signs of Respect

By Stephen T. Ayers
| October 11, 2017
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
Bill Burns, an Architect of the Capitol Woodcrafter Supervisor in the Planning and Project Management's Construction Division.
Doing Good

Article

A Series of Compassionate Events

By Justin Kieffer
| August 16, 2017
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