Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

History & Discoveries

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.
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Doing Good

Modern-Day Superhero

By justin kieffer | November 17, 2016

Each one of us has the ability to learn a new skill that we are passionate about and then use that gift in ways that can help others.Each one of us has the ability to learn a new skill that we are passionate about and then use that gift in ways that can help others. This doing good story is of an AOC employee who volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.

Programs & Events

An Idaho Gem to Grace Capitol Lawn

By ted bechtol | November 2, 2016

It can be hard to find a tree in the forest that meets all of the Capitol Christmas Tree criteria, but the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds has done it again.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Discovery

By erin courtney | October 7, 2016

It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. See how his 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the U.S. Capitol, including frescoes by Brumidi, a sandstone relief and the bronze the Columbus Doors by Randolph Rogers.

History & Discoveries

Letters and Numbers Abound

By erin courtney | September 1, 2016

A variety of letters and numbers appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill.

Projects

Conserving the Grant Memorial

By michele cohen | July 18, 2016

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Curator for the Architect of the Capitol describes the restoration work on the bronze components and marble pedestals. When completed viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.

History & Discoveries

Artfully Yours, Alexander Hamilton

By erin courtney | July 11, 2016

With the recent Kennedy Center announcement that the award-winning musical "Hamilton" is coming to Washington, D.C., the options to explore and experience one of our Founding Fathers in our nation's capital has never been better.

Behind the Scenes

The Library's HVAC Aces

By sarah davis | July 1, 2016

While the most frequent calls from building occupants are related to climate, being successful in this line of work is about more than overcoming hot and cold conditions.

History & Discoveries

USBG National Garden Turns 10

By devin dotson | June 21, 2016

Opened to the public on October 1, 2006, the National Garden is a key element of the USBG, along with the Conservatory and Bartholdi Park.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

By lisa maltbie | June 17, 2016

The U.S. Capitol jurisdiction has introduced a new auto brake machine which offers an unprecedented capacity to bend metal. Electronically stored diagrams also save precious time that was previously spent sorting through hundreds of paper copies and manually recalling historical diagrams.

Doing Good

Bridging the Gap

By erin nelson | June 13, 2016

Millions of Americans volunteer every year, but few feel compelled to form their own organization. This doing good story is of an Architect of the Capitol employee who saw a problem in his community that had no solution, so he created one by starting his own non-profit.

Behind the Scenes

One Team, One Energy Reduction Mission

By laura condeluci | June 2, 2016

A 30 percent reduction in energy consumption is a major accomplishment. Take a look back at how we got there, and find out where we're going.

History & Discoveries

Finding a Lasting Impression

By sarah davis | June 1, 2016

Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Recently, another permanent signature was discovered.

Behind the Scenes

A Passion for Pedaling

By jamie herr | May 18, 2016

This passionate group of Architect of the Capitol employees aims to improve biking conditions around the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. Recently, their efforts led to the League of American Bicyclists designating AOC as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Business.