Bells, Buzzers, Clicks and Clocks
In a world where everyone carries a cell phone and some carry more than one, people still check the historic clocks on the Capitol campus for the time of day.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 226 - 240 of 283
By sharon gang | October 2, 2014
In a world where everyone carries a cell phone and some carry more than one, people still check the historic clocks on the Capitol campus for the time of day.
By kristen frederick | October 1, 2014
The Architect of the Capitol employees who commute to the United States Capitol campus via bike have formed a group to promote cycling to fellow AOC employees. Read their thoughts and advice on commuting to work via bicycle, including bike safety.
By matt guilfoyle | September 29, 2014
Addressing the stone pandemic across the Capitol campus takes a team of historic preservationists, structural engineers and stonemasons, among others.
By sharon gang | July 21, 2014
The planting of a tree in honor of Anne Frank on the U.S. Capitol Grounds
By sharon gang | May 20, 2014
Historic preservation tricks using "windows" and "columns" in the U.S. Capitol.
By matt guilfoyle | May 12, 2014
Whether you want inspiration and information for your garden, want to learn about the importance of pollinators or simply want to take a scenic nature walk steps from the U.S. Capitol — the U.S. Botanic Garden's National Garden in Washington, D.C., is a treasure for everyone.
By erin nelson | May 8, 2014
The United States Capitol's Carillonneur at the Taft Memorial has perhaps one of the most unique and least visible jobs on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. What's a carillon? Think of it as a big keyboard instrument made out of bells. Fun fact: it's played annually on the Fourth of July.
By erin nelson | April 21, 2014
This doing good story is of an Architect of the Capitol employee who spends his days caring for the trees on the U.S. Capitol Grounds and spends his evenings are in much the same way, as he volunteers his time helping others in hopes of seeing them live longer, healthier lives.
By aoc staff | April 1, 2014
Here at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), our challenge is unique – we must maintain aging, iconic buildings while adapting to state-of-the-art technology and increasing responsiveness to environmental, security and safety considerations in a rich historical setting.
By sharon gang | March 19, 2014
Discover the meaning behind the Car of History Clock in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. This marble sculpture, created in 1819, is among the oldest works of art in the Capitol. It depicts Clio, the muse of History, holding a book in which she records events as they unfold.
By franklin bradley | February 7, 2014
One of the lead characters in the "Monuments Men" movie was inspired by Walker K. Hancock, an artist who contributed many works of art to the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States. Dig deeper in to this monument man's history.
By aoc staff | February 3, 2014
The Capitol Grounds have long been a haven for wildlife, with residents ranging from squirrels to red-tailed hawks to a red fox. But sheep? If it had been left up to one Virginia farmer more than 90 years ago, flocks of sheep might be spotted grazing on the grounds today.
By lori taylor | December 2, 2013
While there may not be an exact "completion date" for our U.S. Capitol Building, there is one day that truly stands out in its history — December 2, 1863, when the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the Capitol Dome 150 years ago, effectively completing the Capitol Dome that we still see today.
By matt guilfoyle | November 6, 2013
Long before the advent of Twitter, Facebook and blogs – there were journals. 150 years ago this month saw one of the most transformative periods in the construction of the United States Capitol along with the historic address by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. One individual captured these events both as a witness, and as participant, capturing first-hand details of moments that shaped history.
By aoc curator | September 24, 2013
This is the first in a series of occasional articles, written by the Architect of the Capitol’s Curator Office, about the use of nature in the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. This week, they focus on the elements in the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome.