Tree Dedicated in Memory of Senate Librarian Leona Faust

Yesterday, Senator Mazie Hirono, Secretary of the Senate Sonceria Ann Berry, the Faust family and other distinguished guests gathered on the U.S. Capitol Grounds to dedicate a tree in memory of Senate Librarian Leona Faust.

"Leona Faust served in the Senate Library for 44 years and spent 12 of those years as the Senate Librarian. This represents an incredible commitment to public service and to the United States Senate. We honor her legacy today with a tree that will grace the U.S. Capitol Grounds for many years to come," said Chere Rexroat, Acting Architect of the Capitol.

Several trees on the grounds serve as living memorials. The Faust tree, a Jefferson elm, is located near Northeast Drive, across from the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol Building.

"Today we planted a Jefferson elm. This tree is known for its iconic vase-shaped crown and will grace the Capitol campus with beautiful yellow leaves in the fall. The Jefferson elm has stood the test of time on our National Mall throughout many decades. It is a resilient tree that is representative of our nation's capital, and we are glad to have this one here on the Capitol Grounds to honor Leona Faust's dedication to public service," said Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) cares for the historic and picturesque grounds surrounding the U.S. Capitol Building. The grounds were designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874. More than 140 years later, the AOC continues to follow his plan for creating an urban oasis in the nation's capital.