The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive Friday, 11/22. Lighting Ceremony 12/3. Details.
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House Hearing Room Renovation
By Madeleine Lucchetti | November 15, 2024
If you've ever toured a historic building, you might have thought — or heard your tour guide remark — "Wow, if only these walls could talk!" In one Rayburn House Office Building hearing room, they can.
Unearthing Capitol Hill's Buried History
By Kristen Frederick | October 18, 2024
Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.
The U.S. Capitol Rotunda: Celebrating 200 Years as the Heart of American Democracy
By Franklin Bradley | October 11, 2024
The Rotunda was completed under the direction of Charles Bulfinch by the time of the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette in October 1824.
Meet the Architect: Q&A with Thomas E. Austin
By AOC Staff | September 30, 2024
Get to know the newest Architect of the Capitol.
Meet the Team: Photography and Technical Imaging Branch
By AOC Staff | September 24, 2024
The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) is responsible for the documentation of the historical buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and capturing the historic events within those spaces.
Branching Out: A Search for Christmas in Alaska's Rainforest
By Jim Kaufmann | August 14, 2024
While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
The Liberty Cap: Symbol of American Freedom
By AOC Staff | July 26, 2024
The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.
Leading by Example
By Erin Nelson | July 8, 2024
Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.
Arborists on Campus — The Art of Tree Care
By Carol Campos | June 28, 2024
Thanking those who keep our trees thriving.
Ducts in a Row
By Madeleine Lucchetti | June 21, 2024
The experts at the House Mechanic Shop meticulously oversee campus HVAC systems, ensuring building temperatures are optimal for both daily operations and historic preservation.
Meet the Historic Preservation Officer
By Aimee Jorjani | May 30, 2024
Donna Klee has worked for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for more than 10 years and was named the agency's Historic Preservation Officer in the fall of 2023. In this capacity, she works to implement the agency's preservation policy.
A House for All Seasons
By Justin Kieffer | May 28, 2024
More than 140 years later, the Architect of the Capitol's Summerhouse still offers visitors respite. Recent maintenance efforts will help keep the site around for repeat visitors and first timers alike.
AOC Experts Keep it Cool for Historic Preservation Efforts
By Madeleine Lucchetti | May 7, 2024
When it comes to preserving the Library of Congress' (LOC) record-breaking collection of more than 175 million items — including books, historical materials and cultural artifacts — the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff plays an instrumental role in keeping things cool.
The Original Olmsted Trees
By Capitol Grounds and Arboretum | 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.
Four Sustainable Practices from Our Grounds to Yours
By Capitol Grounds and Arboretum | 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.