The Original Olmsted Trees
Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
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By capitol grounds | April 26, 2024
Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.
By capitol grounds | April 22, 2024
At the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team works hard to promote green and sustainable practices around the Capitol campus.
By franklin bradley | April 12, 2024
Thomas Jefferson, inspired by skylights he saw in Paris, prevailed upon the Architect of the Capitol to include something similar in the U.S. Capitol's new chamber for the House of Representatives. However, all the skylights came to an untimely end.
By philip davis | April 3, 2024
In a picturesque marriage of vintage charm and cutting-edge sustainability, the AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team has unveiled their latest addition to the gardening fleet: a vintage-style electric cargo tricycle.
By michele cohen | March 12, 2024
An in-depth look at the evolution of women in art at the U.S. Capitol. First appearing primarily as allegorical figures representing ideals, not individuals. Later, as women took on more prominent positions in society and won basic rights, greater opportunities and visibility have led to more.
By franklin bradley | March 6, 2024
The Architect of the Capitol makes the U.S. Capitol Dome, an enduring symbol of democracy recognized throughout the world, visible to all throughout the night. Learn more about the history of lighting this iconic building including the part of the Dome called the "tholos."
By Madeleine Lucchetti | February 29, 2024
In the bleak winter, when most Washingtonians are looking to stay indoors, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team still spends a lot of time outside.
By erin courtney | February 22, 2024
Our first president had a significant impact on the nation and, while George Washington never actually graced the halls of the United States Capitol, his presence, influence and even his likeness, is everywhere. Approximately 35 pieces of art include Washington's likeness in the U.S. Capitol.
By Madeleine Lucchetti | December 5, 2023
Every summer, dozens of skilled tradespeople and public service aspirants from around the country brave the Washington, D.C., humidity to come and intern for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Once they arrive, they're dispatched across the Capitol campus to every jurisdiction, where they take on special projects and assignments with their unique AOC teams.
By carol campos | November 17, 2023
For many people around the country, the start of the holiday season is marked by selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. Likewise, the holidays start on Capitol Hill when the Christmas tree arrives on the Capitol campus. A team of employees from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) work seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from all over the country and around the world.
By devin dotson | October 27, 2023
Nick Nelson combines diverse passions into a landscape architecture career.
By kristen frederick | October 25, 2023
Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.
By carol campos | October 18, 2023
The AOC University team has a clear sense of purpose to make learning fun, increase employee engagement, encourage retention of valued talent and attract the next generation of AOC leaders.
By Madeleine Lucchetti | October 10, 2023
The pencil-like shape of the Washington Monument, the grand pediment of the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Dome are all emblematic shapes of Washington, D.C. But in addition to these architectural juggernauts, two smaller, more understated buildings on the National Mall often draw the eye.
By justin kieffer | September 26, 2023
An in-depth look at the most recent phase of the Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs project.