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Andria Leo, archivist for the Architect of the Capitol, discovered historical documents showing the purchase of the first bike racks on Capitol Hill.

Stephen T. Ayers, eleventh Architect of the Capitol, remembers one of the major players in the U.S. Capitol's history: Charles Bulfinch, third Architect of the Capitol. Bulfinch was responsible for designing the U.S. Capitol's first dome, which was made of wood and copper.

The Library Buildings and Grounds Elevator Division of the Architect of the Capitol runs some of the oldest elevator systems on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Adapting to new technologies, while still maintaining antique systems, is one of the AOC elevator mechanics' unique skills.

Visitors to the Capitol are often drawn to the "big ticket" items, but there are several other must-see items you should check out when visiting the U.S. Capitol Building.

Too hot or too cold – there is no pleasing everyone when it comes to the right temperature in the office. While today the Architect of the Capitol provides a climate-controlled environment to the buildings of Capitol Hill, two centuries ago this wasn't the case.

Venture outside the U.S. Capitol to explore the other buildings under the AOC's care.

Throughout the U.S. Capitol Building's more than 200 year history, many workers have labored in obscurity. Recently, we stumbled across a worker named Pringle Slight with an interesting (and largely forgotten) story.

AOC Public Affairs Officer Matt Guilfoyle watches "Lincoln" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"-- and is surprised by which film more accurately depicts the U.S. Capitol.

When walking across the Capitol Grounds there is one critter that can consistently be seen out and about – the squirrel. When did squirrels first come to Washington, D.C. and how did they end up here? Archivist Andria Leo took a look through AOC’s historical records to investigate the history of the squirrel at the Capitol.

Walk in the footsteps of the masons and laborers who worked the quarry at Government Island in Aquia, Virginia, to gather stone for the U.S. Capitol more than 200 years ago. Pierre L'Enfant purchased the area on behalf of the federal government in 1791 to build the nation's new capital city.

Montgomery Meigs – who built the U.S. Capitol while helping save the Union it represents – may be America's greatest engineer. His contributions were both in engineering (the Dome) and in management (he hired artists). Another lasting legacy is his use of photography to document the construction.

The liberty cap was the symbol of freedom and liberty commonly used in the 19th century and is seen in many places in the United States Capitol.

Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the almost 600,000 square feet of windows – of all different shapes, size and age – cared for by the AOC.

The Mayan Calendar has drawn a lot of attention lately, largely surrounded by myth and misunderstanding. This story investigates a lesser-known scene in "The Frieze of American History" by Constantino Brumidi in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

December 2 has been an important anniversary at the U.S. Capitol since 1863 when the final section of the Statue of Freedom was installed atop the dome. The date has signified another important anniversary since 2008 when the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center opened for business.