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People working on a tree.
Programs & Events

Article

A Holiday Tradition: AOC Trims the Tree

By Lori Taylor
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The hanging of the Capitol Christmas Tree lights is the job of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Capitol Grounds Division. "When the lights of the Capitol Christmas Tree are finally turned on, everyone has that 'ahh' moment," says Tree Surgeon Supervisor George Rollins. Rollins has served with the
AOC Industrial Mechanics Jeff Weiskott and Derek Matthews
Behind the Scenes

Article

Industrial Mechanics: Behind the Scenes, but not Waiting in the Wings

By Franklin Bradley
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Equivalent in size to six Empire State Buildings, the buildings of the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court must be operational at all times to ensure the continuity of our democracy. Maintaining them at the highest level possible demands the best effort of the employees of the Architect of the Capitol
Painted portrait of Thomas Ustick Walter, Fourth Architect of the Capitol.

Person

Thomas Ustick Walter

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Appointed June 11, 1851; Resigned May 26, 1865. Thomas U. Walter's plans for the enlargement of the U.S. Capitol were approved by President Millard Fillmore and he was appointed Architect of the Capitol Extension in 1851. While he oversaw the construction of new marble wings, the commissioner of
Person standing using a water sprayer.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Set in Stone—How the AOC Honors Historic Preservation

By Kristen Frederick
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As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and neither was the U.S. Capitol and its surrounding buildings and grounds. Since Congress first met in the Capitol in 1800, the building has undergone dramatic expansion as the size of the nation has increased. In the center of it all is the U.S
Group of people standing with statues.
Behind the Scenes

Article

A New Home for a Capitol Treasure

By Kristen Frederick
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It took both brawn and brains to move a beautiful (and hefty) treasure when the Magna Carta display was moved from the Capitol Rotunda to its new home in the Capitol Crypt. In August, the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Building Mason Shop, with the support of a rigging company, spent 14 ½
Black and white photo of the Capitol Power Plant's interior.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Power Plant: A Century of Service

By AOC Staff
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The Capitol Power Plant has undergone significant changes as new buildings were built, and more modern and efficient equipment was installed, but what hasn't changed is the commitment of the staff. The plant's staff are highly-skilled and extremely dedicated — many have worked there for decades.
Painted portrait of Charles Bulfinch, Third Architect of the Capitol

Person

Charles Bulfinch

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Appointed by President James Monroe and the Commissioner of Public Buildings, January 8, 1818; Office abolished June 25, 1829. Charles Bulfinch was hired by the commissioner of public buildings in 1818 to replace Benjamin Henry Latrobe. He continued the restoration of the two wings, which were
Russell Senate Office Building 2010
Projects

Article

100 Year-Old Russell Senate Office Building: Getting Some "Work Done"

By AOC Staff
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The Russell Senate Office Building is looking really good for its age but, to keep it in tip-top condition, the Architect of the Capitol spent some time studying the building's exterior in preparation to clean, repair and restore the exterior envelope of this historic building.
Two people crouching.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Dome Keepers

By Matt Guilfoyle
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Since that time nearly 150 years ago, while the Union was restored, multiple forces have been unrelenting in their attack on the Capitol—time, weather, and nature. Today, a small unit of men has the task of protecting and preserving this most important American icon. Led by Bryan Glotfelty and
Painted portrait of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Second Architect of the Capitol.

Person

Benjamin Henry Latrobe

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Hired by President Thomas Jefferson, March 6, 1803; construction halted by July 1, 1811; Hired by President James Madison, April 6, 1815; Resigned November 20, 1817. Benjamin Henry Latrobe was hired by President Jefferson in 1803 to fill the position of "Surveyor of Public Buildings," with the
Washington

Person

Dr. William Thornton

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Design selected by President George Washington, 1793; appointed a commissioner of the federal city by President Washington, 1794, and served until 1802. Dr. William Thornton was an amateur architect who is honored as the "first architect" because his design for the U.S. Capitol was accepted by