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Grace Anderson adjusts the camera and laptop for an online horticultural education program.
Behind the Scenes

Article

U.S. Botanic Garden Taps New Technologies To Grow Plant Education

By Devin Dotson
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Like other parts of the education world in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic-forced closure of the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) significantly impacted the USBG Learning and Engagement team. Much of their work consisted of connecting people with plants through hundreds of in-person educational
Portraits of Valerie Hasberry, Mark Reed and James Kaufmann.
Public Notice

Article

AOC Staff Named as Finalists for Service to America Medal

By AOC Staff
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The "Sammies" are the premier awards program honoring excellence and innovation in federal service.
Public Notice

Article

Tree Dedicated for the People of New Hampshire

By AOC Staff
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This morning the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation gathered on the U.S. Capitol Grounds to dedicate a tree in honor of the people of New Hampshire.

Highlight

People of New Hampshire Tree

By Sarah Davis
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U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorative tree to honor the people of New Hampshire sponsored by the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in 2019.
"Project funding will support the lifespan of [campus] facilities as well as address critical needs ranging from preserving priceless artwork to replacing roofs, installing emergency generators and improving campus security." - Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton
Public Notice

Article

AOC Makes FY 2023 Budget Request to House Committee

By AOC Staff
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Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton testified April 27 in front of the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Committee on Appropriations, United States House of Representatives.
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Public Notice

Article

AOC Celebrates Grant Memorial Anniversary

By AOC Staff
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Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton joined the U.S. Capitol Historical Society to celebrate the 200th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant and the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Grant Memorial.

Landing Page

The Architect's Virtual Capitol

By Sarah Davis
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Find out more about the Architect of the Capitol, our employees and our work.
Some of the first visitors back in the USBG Conservatory after it reopened.
Public Notice

Article

U.S. Botanic Garden Reopens to Visitors

By AOC Staff
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The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) Conservatory reopened to the public today, April 1, marking a full reopening of all areas of the USBG.
View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
History & Discoveries

Article

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

By AOC Staff
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Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.
View of a pagoda tree on the north side of the U.S. Capitol.
Public Notice

Article

Living On, The Olmsted Way

By AOC Staff
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Two original Olmsted trees will be removed for safety reasons this spring.
Portrait of Architect of the Capitol employee Arthur Logan.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Path to Becoming an Architect

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Arthur Logan was working as an electrician helper in 2005 when a coworker told him, "You're in the wrong field. You need to be an architect."

Highlight

Old House Chamber, 1838

By Sarah Davis
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The first House chamber in the Capitol was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. After the House moved to its present chamber in 1857, this room was designated National Statuary Hall. John Quincy Adams (center, with raised hand) is shown speaking in the chamber; Speaker James K. Polk is seated under

Highlight

British Burn the Capitol, 1814

By Sarah Davis
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On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops burned the Capitol and almost all other public buildings in Washington. The Capitol, shown ablaze in the background, was gutted, and only a sudden rainstorm prevented its complete destruction. About the Cox Corridors Murals The first floor

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Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony, 1793

By Sarah Davis
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The Capitol's first cornerstone was laid on September 18, 1793, by President Washington in a Masonic ceremony. The ceremony was preceded by a parade and followed by celebration and feasting. About the Cox Corridors Murals The first floor of the U.S. Capitol's House wing is elaborately decorated with

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Capitol Site Selection, 1791

By Sarah Davis
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After Congress selected an area along the Potomac River for the site of the new federal city, President Washington chose French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city and design the public buildings. Here L'Enfant (center) shows the president his city plan. About the Cox Corridors

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Theodore Roosevelt, circa 1904

By Sarah Davis
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Spanish-American War hero Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, and during his two terms in office he worked vigorously to regulate big business, encourage conservation programs and expand America's role in foreign affairs. The mural shows Roosevelt giving one of his characteristically

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Iron Foundry, circa 1850

By Sarah Davis
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The expansion and industrialization of America required iron and steel for railroads, bridges, skyscrapers, and tools. The mural shows work at the foundry of the Nashua, New Hampshire, Iron Company. Left: Women leave their homes to work in a factory, symbolizing a change in American society brought

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Steam Powered Amphibious Boat, 1804

By Sarah Davis
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In 1802 American inventor Oliver Evans developed a high-pressure steam engine that produced more power and weighed less than earlier models. His design made it practical to use steam power for land vehicles, such as trains, or boats. The mural is set in 1804 and depicts the nation's first steam

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The Library of Congress in the Capitol, 1800-1897

By Sarah Davis
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In 1783 Representative James Madison introduced a resolution to create a library that would give the Congress access to works about the laws of nations and about American history and affairs. The Library of Congress was founded in 1800 and located in one room in the Capitol; as the collection grew

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The Smithsonian Institution, 1855

By Sarah Davis
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The Smithsonian Institution, which today includes approximately two dozen museums and research centers, was founded in 1846. It was named for English scientist James Smithson, who bequeathed his estate to the United States to create an establishment "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among

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Women's Suffrage Parade, 1917

By Sarah Davis
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For decades after America won its independence from Great Britain, many of its people still lacked basic rights. The drive for woman suffrage was formalized at the 1848 women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, but not until 1920 (with the ratification of the nineteenth amendment to the

Highlight

Lincoln's Second Inaugural, 1865

By Sarah Davis
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At his March 4 inaugural on the steps of the newly completed Capitol, Lincoln expressed his hopes for reconstruction of the Union after the Civil War. He urged moderation, humility, and humanity in dealings with the South. Shown in the center of the scene (from left to right) are Vice President

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The Monroe Doctrine, 1823

By Sarah Davis
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Responding to Russian territorial claims along the northern Pacific coast, and concerned that European nations would attempt to seize recently independent Latin American states, President James Monroe announced a new national policy. No new colonies would be allowed in the Americas, and European

Highlight

Washington's Farewell Address, 1796

By Sarah Davis
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In his farewell address at the end of his second term as president, George Washington urged America, "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." He is depicted here at his desk with Alexander Hamilton, who helped him write the address. Left: The sawyer

Highlight

The First Federal Congress, 1789

By Sarah Davis
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Meeting in New York at Federal Hall, the first federal Congress initiated the committee system, levied taxes and imposts, and enacted a judicial system. The Senate exercised its powers of advice and consent. Most important, the Congress passed the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which

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The Declaration of Independence, 1776

By Sarah Davis
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In June 1776 five delegates to the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. The mural depicts (from left to right) Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and John Adams. On the wall in the background is a portrait of English philosopher

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The Constitutional Convention, 1787

By Sarah Davis
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Following the Revolutionary War, the new American government was first organized under the Articles of Confederation, but that document gave the federal government too little authority to be effective. Convened to amend the Articles of Confederation, this convention wrote a new Constitution that
USBG Arborist Shaun Abell, who helped install the new, higher fogger system, at the top of the Tropics house.
Projects

Article

Employees Lead U.S. Botanic Garden Horticultural Renovations

By Devin Dotson
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Several USBG employees recently led projects inside the Conservatory to improve the growing spaces and showcase more of the permanent plant collection.

Highlight

The First Continental Congress, 1774

By Sarah Davis
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Delegates from twelve colonies met in 1774 in Philadelphia to discuss responses to increased British oppression. This convention, the First Continental Congress, formally declared that colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen; they also agreed to form the Continental Association, which

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The Albany Congress, 1754

By Sarah Davis
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In 1754 the British government asked colonial representatives to meet in Albany, New York, to develop a treaty with Native Americans and plan the defense of the colonies against France. Exceeding these limited objectives, the assembly adopted a plan developed by Benjamin Franklin for government of