Displaying 241 - 270 of 1010 Clear

Gary Bowser inspects a boiler fan to ensure that it is properly lubricated and that safety systems are working correctly.
Behind the Scenes

Article

24 Hours at the Capitol Power Plant

By Erin Nelson
|
The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) continues year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our buildings never sleep, and the work never stops. This is especially true for the dedicated workers at the Capitol Power Plant.

Highlight

Corncob or Cornstalk Columns and Capitals

By Sarah Davis
|
Some of the oldest and most famous interior features of the Capitol are located near the entrance to the Old Supreme Court Chamber. These six corncob columns, designed ca. 1808 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, are among the most unusual and significant architectural works of the early Republic.
Cultivating a New Agriculture Exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden
Programs & Events

Article

Cultivating a New Agriculture Exhibit at the U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson
|
Visitors can explore the galleries and gardens to learn how inventive ideas in agriculture, both scientific and social, sustain and enrich life and how growing and cooking food connects people with each other and their communities.

Highlight

Amelia Earhart Statue

By Johanna Colocho
|
Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-c.1937) was a record-setting aviator, an author, and a businesswoman. This statue was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection by Kansas in 2022. Sculptors Mark and George Lundeen are brothers; they also sculpted the statue of John L. "Jack" Swigert.

Highlight

Mary McLeod Bethune

By Johanna Colocho
|
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was an educator, civil rights activist, and presidential advisor. This statue was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection by Florida in 2022. Nilda Comas is the first artist of Puerto Rican descent commissioned to sculpt a statue for the National Statuary
Tulips and bronze fountains.

Basic page

Sustainability at the AOC

By Sarah Davis
|
The Architect of the Capitol's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our robust energy conservation and sustainability programs. The agency incorporates sustainable design and construction practices into the major projects executed throughout Capitol Hill.
View of the Summerhouse at the U.S. Capitol with the gates closed.

Project

Summerhouse Maintenance

By Sarah Davis
|
The Architect of the Capitol's repair and renovation of the Summerhouse fountain and surrounding landscape is complete. Additional landscape improvements to the grotto and surrounding planting beds will continue into the spring of 2024.
Floor tile at the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Art of Walking Across History

By Cristin O'Brien
|
Whether you work on Capitol Hill, are a regular visitor or you are planning to visit for the first time, remember to stay mindful of your surroundings.
Mario Murgueitio and Ron Pfeiffer, both Pipefitters with Capitol Grounds, demonstrate how to use a mulch blower attachment to fill silt socks with mulch.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Mulch Blower Extraordinaire

By Cristin O'Brien
|
On a sunny morning, employees from Capitol Grounds and Arboretum gathered to see a demonstration of a new tool and hear about its benefits.
A/C Equipment Mechanic Horatio Evans tests for signal across two wires with a digital multimeter while troubleshooting air handling unit controls.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Retro-Commissioning: Big Energy Savings For Big Buildings

By AOC Staff
|
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) commitment to energy conservation and sustainability has resulted in a reduction of energy use by almost 50 percent across the Capitol campus since 2003. The agency continues to look for ways to build on those efforts as it works toward achieving reductions
"Across the agency, our team of exceptional professionals is working tirelessly to upgrade our capabilities and facilities. To achieve our mission, we need adequate resources to meet the technological, space, sustainability and accessibility needs of a 21st-century workforce." - Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton
Public Notice

Article

AOC Makes FY 2023 Budget Request to Senate Committee

By AOC Staff
|
Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton testified May 11 in front of the Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate.
40th Annual Police Officers Memorial, 2021.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Honoring Service, Sacrifice and a Unique Partnership

By AOC Staff
|
For the Architect of the Capitol's Office of the Chief Security Officer (OSCO), keeping the U.S. Capitol campus safe is job one. And it is also a team effort – one that could not happen without the dedication and professionalism of the United States Capitol Police (USCP). This week, during the
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
|
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
|
The "Sammies" are the premier awards program honoring excellence and innovation in federal service.

Highlight

People of New Hampshire Tree

By Sarah Davis
|
U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorative tree to honor the people of New Hampshire sponsored by the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in 2019.
Public Notice

Article

Tree Dedicated for the People of New Hampshire

By AOC Staff
|
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.
"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
|
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.
d
Public Notice

Article

AOC Celebrates Grant Memorial Anniversary

By AOC Staff
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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

|
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
|
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
|
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

Highlight

Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony, 1793

By Sarah Davis
|
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

Highlight

Capitol Site Selection, 1791

By Sarah Davis
|
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

Highlight

Theodore Roosevelt, circa 1904

By Sarah Davis
|
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

Highlight

Iron Foundry, circa 1850

By Sarah Davis
|
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

Highlight

Steam Powered Amphibious Boat, 1804

By Sarah Davis
|
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