The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive Friday, 11/22. Lighting Ceremony 12/3. Details.
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Supporting the Final Goodbyes of a Grateful Nation
By AOC Staff | February 26, 2018
Lying in Honor calls for coordination across the campus, and the solemnity of the event requires a commitment to excellence to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Exploring Orchid Diversity
By Devin Dotson | February 21, 2018
Found on every continent except Antarctica, orchids showcase a wide spectrum of diversity in color, shape, size, habitat, scent and many other aspects.
Visitor Guides Help Students Experience the Legislative Process
By Laura Trivers | January 31, 2018
The Capitol Visitor Center runs educational programs for classes nearly 50 times between October and February, serving nearly 1,500 students.
Leave No Stone Unrestored
By Justin Kieffer | January 11, 2018
All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone. Stone preservation will continue to be a priority of the Architect of the Capitol as the best way to maintain these buildings is to constantly monitor them.
Ten Memorable Moments of 2017
By Sarah Davis | December 20, 2017
Before we dive into 2018, here's a look back at some of this year's highlights.
Solving Problems One Challenge at a Time
By Erin Courtney | November 29, 2017
One of the Architect of the Capitol's strategic goals is to foster an innovative and empowered workforce. Here are a few examples of what that looks like in day-to-day operations at the AOC from a team in the House Office Buildings and from the Capitol Grounds crew.
Plenty to Be Thankful For
By Sarah Davis | November 20, 2017
The cornucopia, a traditional symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday, appears in a variety of places in the U.S. Capitol including the Rotunda and Brumidi Corridors.
Sowing the Seeds of Victory
By Erin Courtney | November 15, 2017
To mark the centennial of the U.S. entering World War I, Library Buildings and Grounds staff recreated period-appropriate "War Gardens."
Finding "The One"
By Ted Bechtol | November 9, 2017
Finding "the one" is pretty similar whether you're searching for true love or the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Follow along as AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds travels during the summer to Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana and selects the 2017 tree.
Growth in Major Facilities Under AOC's Care
By Andrew Dentamaro | November 8, 2017
As the country grows, so does the Capitol campus and, with it, the AOC's responsibilities.
Behind the Scenes: Senate Office Buildings Masonry Branch
By Elizabeth Yoder | November 1, 2017
Some AOC employees are highly visible, while others work behind the scenes to preserve the awe-inspiring facilities on Capitol Hill. Learn more about the work of this team, beginning at 4 a.m. each morning.
Who or What Goes There?
By Erin Courtney | October 31, 2017
On Friday, October 13, Architect of the Capitol employees set out to look into a new Capitol Building mystery involving delicate pink fabric with hand-stitching. Construction sites often yield historic artifacts, including bottles, newspapers and tools, but this find is new for the agency.
Renovated Bartholdi Park is a SITE(S) to Behold
By Devin Dotson | October 25, 2017
An in-depth summary of a recent renovation at the U.S. Botanic Garden's Bartholdi Park to increase accessibility and incorporate areas of sustainable landscaping including hydrology, vegetation, soil, materials and human health. The park is poised to welcome visitors from around the globe.
Then & Now: O'Neill House Office Building
By Erin Nelson | October 18, 2017
A brief history of the O'Neill House Office Building. Originally known as Federal Office Building No. 8, and once home of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. House of Representatives voted to name the building after the late former Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill in 2012.
Architect's Notebook: Signs of Respect
By Stephen T Ayers | October 11, 2017
The Architect of the Capitol believes that when making additions to historic buildings, especially on the U.S. Capitol campus, we are not to copy or try to match the historic building, but rather we are to differentiate the new features so we don't create a false sense of history.