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The deburring tool used to remove sharp edges from sheet metal.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Two Thumbs Up for Taking the Edge Off

By Franklin Bradley
| August 9, 2017
A small and seemingly simple tool used by the Architect of the Capitol sheet metal mechanics reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. This deburring tool removes sharp edges from metal which must be custom fit to unique spaces.
The bronze Amateis Doors are on display in the House Wing of the U.S. Capitol, across from the Bulfinch stairway near the Memorial Door entrance.
History & Discoveries

Article

The Doors to Nowhere

By Erin Nelson
| August 2, 2017
In 1901, Congress passed legislation to appropriate funds for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to submit plans for reconstructing the center of the U.S. Capitol, a project that included refacing the West Front in marble. As plans were being developed, Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol and Grounds
AOC Industrial Mechanics Jeff Weiskott and Derek Matthews
Behind the Scenes

Article

Industrial Mechanics: Behind the Scenes, but not Waiting in the Wings

By Franklin Bradley
| October 20, 2011
Equivalent in size to six Empire State Buildings, the buildings of the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court must be operational at all times to ensure the continuity of our democracy. Maintaining them at the highest level possible demands the best effort of the employees of the Architect of the Capitol
Group photo of the Architect of the Capitol high-voltage electricians on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

High-Voltage Team Powers the Powerful

By Franklin Bradley
| July 26, 2017
Learn how the AOC's High-Voltage team keeps the campus running.
A skylight allows natural light to fill the hallway once occupied by a courtyard at the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: U.S. Capitol Courtyards

By Erin Nelson
| July 19, 2017
There is always a story waiting to be uncovered in the U.S. Capitol — not of politics or policy, but of the building itself. A building of such prominence and formal tradition would seem unlikely to have undergone so many changes over the decades, but our iconic U.S. Capitol continues to change to
The gilded Torch of Knowledge above the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: What We Hold Precious

By Stephen T. Ayers
| July 12, 2017
Walking through the Capitol campus, I frequently come across ornamentation in our buildings made from various metals. I was recently taking in the splendor of the gilded Torch of Knowledge above the Thomas Jefferson Building when my mind began wandering through the many additional decorative
A view of the Capitol after the British burning on the 24th August 1814.
History & Discoveries

Article

Fires, Flight, Flag: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

By Franklin Bradley
| June 14, 2017
A president fleeing Washington, D.C. A lost silver plate under the U.S. Capitol cornerstone. A U.S. flag with 15 stripes. When British troops burned the U.S. Capitol and White House during the War of 1812, these three lesser-known elements of American history came together. In the brutal summer heat
Elliott Woods, 6th Architect of the Capitol
Behind the Scenes

Article

Elliott Woods: Superintendent, Experimenter, Operatic Composer... Kazoo Player?

By Kristen Frederick
| May 25, 2017
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
Ducklings using the special duck ramps at the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
History & Discoveries

Article

Three Quacks for Union Square Duck Ramps

By Erin Courtney
| May 15, 2017
Each spring, mallard ducks return to Union Square. The male calls and female quacks echo across the rippling water and bounce off the stately statue of General Ulysses S. Grant. Families, some waiting to enter the Botanic Garden, others out for an evening stroll, watch the majestic ducks swim across
Behind the Scenes

Article

Family Connections at the Capitol

By Wayne Kehoe
| April 24, 2017
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
AOC's Joel Evans standing with the Supreme Court Building in the background.
Doing Good

Article

A Supreme Choice for Developing Area Youth

By Sarah Davis
| April 19, 2017
What started as a boy's after-school project request has turned into a man's mission.
Lunette above a door of the modern-day Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, Benjamin Franklin

By Erin Courtney
| April 17, 2017
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
Senate Park Fountain
History & Discoveries

Article

By the Numbers: Senate Fountain

By Andrew Dentamaro
| April 12, 2017
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
James Madison Memorial Building
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: Madison Building

By Franklin Bradley
| April 5, 2017
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
Preparation for spring on Capitol grounds.
History & Discoveries

Article

Falling Into Spring

By Erin Courtney
| March 29, 2017
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
One of 330 Capitol Hill elevators maintained by the AOC.
History & Discoveries

Article

Historic Firsts: Capitol Hill Elevators

By Erin Nelson
| March 23, 2017
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
Blue heron carved in stone at the focal point, the central fountain, in the perimeter wall surrounding Capitol Square.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Design with Purpose

By Stephen T. Ayers
| March 15, 2017
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
Russell Senate Office Building 2010
History & Discoveries

Article

100 Year-Old Russell Senate Office Building: Getting Some "Work Done"

By AOC Staff
| May 13, 2010
Having just celebrated its 100th birthday last year, the Russell Senate Office Building is looking really good for its age. But, to keep it in tip-top condition, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) spent some time studying the building's exterior in preparation to clean, repair and restore the
United States Supreme Court Building
Behind the Scenes

Article

A Woman's Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities and Personal Growth

By Deatra Trinidad
| March 8, 2017
As a senior leader at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), I take great pride in the duties and responsibilities that I have been entrusted with as the Deputy Facility Manager at the United States Supreme Court Building. When I think back in history with the knowledge that, at one time, there were
Women are integral members of the Dome Restoration Project
Behind the Scenes

Article

Women's History Month: Christine A. Merdon

By Erin Courtney
| March 8, 2017
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
2016 carved into a column capital during the Capitol Exterior Preservation project's stone work.
History & Discoveries

Article

A Sweet 2016

By Sarah Davis
| December 29, 2016
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
Projects

Article

It's About Time

By Franklin Bradley
| December 15, 2016
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.
The work of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades

By Erin Nelson
| December 8, 2016
The work of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get. In addition to installing insulation, the shop also supports other divisions in its jurisdiction by performing dust control and hazardous materials abatement work in the Capitol Building and Capitol
A portico of tall Corinthian columns gives the Supreme Court Building a monumental entrance.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By Stephen T. Ayers
| December 5, 2016
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
Russell Jones of the AOC Construction Division demonstrates a cool tool for applying grout to the Olmsted wall.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By Franklin Bradley
| December 1, 2016
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

Modern-Day Superhero

By Justin Kieffer
| November 17, 2016
Brian Roberson volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.
Programs & Events

Article

An Idaho Gem to Grace Capitol Lawn

By Ted Bechtol
| November 2, 2016
As the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds, each year I am charged with selecting the Capitol Christmas Tree. In 2016, we looked to Idaho – specifically, the Payette National Forest – and began the search with the help of the United States Forest Service (USFS). There are 2.8 million acres of forest
History & Discoveries

Article

Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends

By Erin Courtney
| October 21, 2016
Working on Capitol Hill you hear your fair share of myths, mysteries and folklore about the historic buildings and its previous (we think) inhabitants. Given that the Capitol was once expected to be the final resting place for George Washington, replete with a crypt, should we be surprised that
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Discovery

By Erin Courtney
| October 7, 2016
It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in search of a direct water route from Europe to Asia. He never did discover that passage, but he did stumble upon the Americas and kicked off centuries of exploration, and exploitation, of the western hemisphere
History & Discoveries

Article

New Perspective, New Discoveries: A Close-up Look at Crawford's Progress of Civilization

By Michele Cohen, Ph.D.
| September 28, 2016
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 has