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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
Behind the Scenes

Article

Passing the Torch

By erin.courtney | March 16, 2016
Greek philosopher Socrates once said, "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." The heritage assets managed by the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Curator Division document the historic moments and changing attitudes of the American people. Walking through the U.S
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
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
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
Behind the Scenes

Article

Teaming Up for Accessibility

By kristen.frederick | June 17, 2013
"This work had to be done right. Period," said Mark Italiano, project manager for the AOC's House Superintendent's Office, as he described how in less than four weeks, a dedicated team of tradecrafts experts was able to transform Room 104 in the Cannon House Office Building into a completely
Behind the Scenes

Article

AOC Moves the House Office Buildings Storerooms

By franklin.bradley | October 14, 2014
"When you open a door, you never know what you're going to find. We have found stuffed wolves that scared the pants off a man. Right around the corner was a big canoe that we had to pull out," says Vince Incitto. Cordell Shields explained, "The wolf was just inside the door, facing me. When I opened
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.
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
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Library's HVAC Aces

By sarah.davis | July 1, 2016
Just below the main floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress, the cellar level is home to the Architect of the Capitol's Air Conditioning (AC) Shop for Library Buildings and Grounds. A spectrum of parts and tools — from very small pieces to a 150 horsepower motor that weighs
Behind the Scenes

Article

Promoting a Culture of Conservation and Energy Reduction

By laura.condeluci | April 25, 2016
Reducing energy use at the Library of Congress (LOC) was critical in meeting the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) energy reduction goal of 30 percent reduction by the end of fiscal year 2015. The Architect of the Capitol maintains the facilities for the LOC, and the AOC Library Buildings and Grounds
Behind the Scenes

Article

Focusing on Safety First at the Largest Library in the World

By erin.courtney | January 30, 2016
In 1800, the Joint Committee on the Library—the oldest continuous Joint Committee of the U.S. Congress—was established and the Library of Congress was created. At that time, Congress appropriated a small amount of money to begin buying reference books. The city of Washington, D.C. was in its infancy
Behind the Scenes

Article

Inspired by the Past, Preserving for the Future

By lori.taylor | June 7, 2013
Meet the Architect of the Capitol's decorative painters at the Library of Congress who work to preserve the ornate designs of one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Watch this video to go behind the scenes and see the techniques used to keep the Thomas Jefferson Building looking as striking as
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
Floor tile at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Art of Walking Across History

By cristin.obrien | 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
Behind the Scenes

Article

Keeping Your Cool at the Capitol

By burl.keller | July 6, 2016
On average, July is the hottest month in Washington, D.C. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you live on, work or visit Capitol Hill, stay alert for signs that you, a colleague or a loved one is too hot. Visitors shade themselves from the summer sun with
Doing Good

Article

Moving Offices. Improving Lives.

By franklin.bradley | May 23, 2013
"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
Behind the Scenes

Article

Behind the Scenes: Senate Subway Branch

By elizabeth.yoder | March 7, 2016
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Senate Subway Branch operates two subway systems to transport senators, staff and escorted visitors between the Capitol Building and the Senate office buildings. The systems operate from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and continue running until at
Behind the Scenes

Article

AOC's TLC Keeps Historic Furniture Looking New

By sharon.gang | May 5, 2015
Hands-on Attention Helps Blend Vintage and New into Cohesive Collection Upon the recent retirement of a long-time senator, the Senate Office Buildings Painting and Refinishing Branch is set to work on one of the oldest desks in the Senate office buildings. Perched on a large dolly like an elephant
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
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.
History & Discoveries

Article

The Lincoln Catafalque in the U.S. Capitol

By aoc.curator | April 15, 2015
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death, AOC Curator Barbara Wolanin details the days he lay in state at the U.S. Capitol.
The AOC team at the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA): Mike Miller, John McPhaul and Marvin Cortez.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Beyond the Dome – A Visit to the American College of the Building Arts

By kate.holder | July 15, 2020
Last fall, hopes were raised for establishing a new, long-term source of skilled labor when AOC staff members spent a day touring the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.
The finished SR-253 hearing room, with the ceiling and plaster reliefs repainted to appear like carved stone, which is truer to the architects' original intention.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Before and After: Hearing Room Renovation for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

By elizabeth.yoder | July 8, 2020
The Senate Office Buildings jurisdiction recently completed a project to restore the hearing room for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (SR-253) in the Russell Senate Office Building.
CVC employee sewing face masks during the novel coronavirus.
Doing Good

Article

Capitol Visitor Center Employees Find Ways To Give

By laura.trivers | June 9, 2020
The coronavirus inspired many of us to wonder what, if anything, we could do to help when it seemed the needs around us were overwhelming.
The U.S. Capitol Rotunda is used for important ceremonial events, such as the lying in state of eminent citizens and the dedication of works of art.
Public Notice

Article

Senator John S. McCain to Lie in State in U.S. Capitol Rotunda

By aoc.staff | August 28, 2018
The following press release is via the United States Capitol Police. Information on Public Viewing Hours, Road Closures and Other Restrictions The late Senator John S. McCain will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Friday, August 31, 2018. Members of the public and Congressional community
Public Notice

Article

Good News for Sustainable Landscapes

By aoc.staff | June 10, 2015
Sustainable landscaping program SITES, developed by United States Botanic Garden (USBG) and partners, was launched today by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI). SITES is the most comprehensive program and toolkit for developing sustainable landscapes. Its rating system can be applied to
Public Notice

Article

Kennedy Center & U.S. Botanic Garden Collaboration

By usbg.staff | July 20, 2015
The Kennedy Center and the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) collaborate for the first time on two unique and inventive world premiere productions, The Cerulean Time Capsule and Flowers Stink, to be performed at the U.S. Botanic Garden in September and October, 2015. The U.S. Botanic Garden is a
Public Notice

Article

Put the Rotunda in Your Pocket

By aoc.staff | July 31, 2015
​Knowing that the U.S. Capitol Rotunda would be closed to visitors between July 27 and September 7 to prepare for restoration, the Capitol Visitor Center began in January to develop a Rotunda app that allows visitors to:​ Take a virtual tour of the Rotunda with the help of 360-degree imaging Learn
Public Notice

Article

Caring for the Statue of Freedom

By aoc.staff | August 14, 2015
The Statue of Freedom — one of the most visible, symbolic and treasured pieces of art at the Capitol — will undergo its regular maintenance this September.