The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive Friday, 11/22. Lighting Ceremony 12/3. Details.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
Subscribe to receive Blog updates via email.
Programs & Events
Capturing Autumn
Filter Results
Displaying 181 - 195 of 287
Artfully Yours, Thomas Jefferson
By Erin Courtney | April 13, 2016
Our nation's third president has his successes, as well as himself, memorialized in more than 10 pieces of art in the U.S. Capitol Building.
Lighting the Way to Energy Savings
By Franklin Bradley | April 12, 2016
The Senate Jurisdiction's emphasis on energy-efficient lighting was integral to meeting our agency-wide energy reduction goal.
Water Features Everywhere
By Sarah Davis | April 7, 2016
There are more than 20 water features that Architect of the Capitol cares for. Spanning across the U.S. Capitol campus, each of the House office buildings, Senate office buildings, Library of Congress buildings, Supreme Court buildings and the U.S. Botanic Garden have some type of fountain or pool.
Stopple Valve System
By R C "Skip" Vaughn | April 5, 2016
A new technology now allows waterlines to remain filled while workers install a new valve. By deploying this construction best practice, the Cannon Renewal Project will save a tremendous amount of natural resources, require less manpower and result in savings to the American taxpayer.
AOC Achieves 10-Year Energy Reduction Goal
By Laura Condeluci | April 1, 2016
The Architect of the Capitol's approach to sustainability and energy efficiency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., is built upon three defining elements: buildings, infrastructure and people. We are very proud of our recent accomplishment of 30 percent energy reduction.
A Veteran Helping Veterans
By Sharon Gang | March 29, 2016
This doing good story is of an AOC electrician who volunteers with Heroes on the Water, a national organization that helps veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks.
Architect's Notebook: Inspiration by Detail
By Stephen T Ayers | March 22, 2016
The Architect of the Capitol describes how he finds inspiration every day from the beautiful details of the Capitol campus.
Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month
By Erin Courtney | March 17, 2016
For Americans of Irish heritage, there is much to celebrate. Beginning with our Nation's founding, Irishmen risked their lives to establish what would become the United States of America.
Passing the Torch
By Erin Courtney | March 16, 2016
The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.
Artfully Yours, James Madison
By Erin Courtney | March 16, 2016
To celebrate the birthday of our nation's fourth president, we are highlighting the art featuring or including James Madison on the Capitol campus.
Cool Tools: A Tuning Fork?
By Franklin Bradley | March 10, 2016
Tuning forks are frequently used by musicians to adjust their instruments. So why does the Architect of the Capitol have one – and what makes it cool? Montgomery C. Meigs used this tuning fork during the 1850s Capitol Dome construction to evaluate its cast iron beams.
Behind the Scenes: Senate Subway Branch
By Elizabeth Yoder | March 7, 2016
The Architect of the Capitol's Senate Subway Branch operates two subway systems to transport senators, staff and escorted visitors between the Capitol Building and the Senate office buildings. Let these AOC employees show you what it's like to work in their specialized shop and area of expertise.
Celebrating Women's History Month
By Erin Courtney | March 2, 2016
At the Architect of the Capitol, approximately 25 percent of the workforce are women who participate in a variety of jobs on the U.S. Capitol campus. Architects, lawyers, archivists, curators, engineers, gardeners, custodians, technology developers and more are all represented by female employees.
The Lion – A Mane Attraction
By Sarah Davis | March 1, 2016
The lion, with its prominent mane, is a popular symbol in art and architecture on the U.S. Capitol campus. Here are six areas where you'll find this type of cat on the Capitol campus, including a few located inside for those days when March "comes in like a lion" with cold and unpleasant weather.
Honoring Black History Month
By Andrew Dentamaro | February 10, 2016
Black History Month marks a time to celebrate and reflect upon the role that African Americans have played in shaping the course of the USA's history. The compelling account of physical places that are important in this history certainly includes Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Capitol in particular.