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

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America the Beautiful poem written on a wall in the Cox Corridors of the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol.
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Programs & Events

Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden

By devin dotson | December 21, 2016

Things don't slow down just because it's winter. See five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden this season, including tropical flowers like this Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid.

Projects

It's About Time

By franklin bradley | December 15, 2016

Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans. The more complex items are being recreated by a stone carver on-site, who is carving from the same stone blocks the original craftsmen worked.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades

By erin nelson | December 8, 2016

The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the U.S. Capitol campus. In addition to insulation, the shop also performs dust control and hazardous materials abatement.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By stephen t ayers | December 5, 2016

The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers describes how we can experience Capitol Hill's magnificent national treasures the way they were originally imagined.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By franklin bradley | December 1, 2016

A special tool helps our stone masons repair and replace the mortar in the low stone walls lining Capitol Square.

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.