Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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America the Beautiful poem written on a wall in the Cox Corridors of the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol.
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Programs & Events

It Takes a Village To Prepare the People's Tree

By carol campos | November 17, 2023

For many people around the country, the start of the holiday season is marked by selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. Likewise, the holidays start on Capitol Hill when the Christmas tree arrives on the Capitol campus. A team of employees from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) work seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from all over the country and around the world.

History & Discoveries

Unearthing Capitol Hill's Buried History

By kristen frederick | October 25, 2023

Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: AOC University

By carol campos | October 18, 2023

The AOC University team has a clear sense of purpose to make learning fun, increase employee engagement, encourage retention of valued talent and attract the next generation of AOC leaders.

History & Discoveries

How Two Tiny "Houses" Ended Up on the National Mall

By Madeleine Lucchetti | October 10, 2023

The pencil-like shape of the Washington Monument, the grand pediment of the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Dome are all emblematic shapes of Washington, D.C. But in addition to these architectural juggernauts, two smaller, more understated buildings on the National Mall often draw the eye.

Behind the Scenes

Built to Last

By Madeleine Lucchetti | September 20, 2023

From Project Mastery to People Skills, Women in Construction Build Up the AOC

History & Discoveries

A Most Magnificent Ruin: The Burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812

By aoc curator | August 1, 2023

In retaliation for Americans burning the Canadian capital at York (Toronto) on April 27, 1813, British troops would later descend on Washington, D.C., setting fire to much of the city. Follow the path the British took in 1814 to burn the U.S. Capitol and learn more about damage done to this historic building.

Programs & Events

Christmas in July in Wonderful West Virginia

By jim kaufmann | July 25, 2023

To most, July in Washington, D.C., means hot weather and Independence Day celebrations. At the Architect of the Capitol it also means it's time to go Christmas tree hunting!

History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

By sarah davis | July 3, 2023

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol. Once inside the building, a portion of "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates can be found written in the Cox Corridors of the south wing. It is also played every July 4th from the Taft Memorial and Carillon.

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: Photography and Technical Imaging Branch

By aoc staff | May 12, 2023

The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) is responsible for the documentation of the historical buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and capturing the historic events within those spaces.

Behind the Scenes

Employee Spotlight: Honoring 50 Years of Historic Service

By erin nelson | May 9, 2023

In today's fast-paced, instant culture, few things seem to last, including career tenures. Perhaps it's the charm of the historic campus or the weight of the symbolism it carries around the world, but at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), it's not hard to find an employee who has spent their entire career serving this treasured institution.

Behind the Scenes

Beyond the Dome: Fort Meade

By erin nelson | May 4, 2023

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for managing the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region, including facilities in Fort Meade, Maryland.

History & Discoveries

Leaves of Green: Capitol's Mature Trees Offer Big Payouts

By Madeleine Lucchetti | April 28, 2023

This Arbor Day, we celebrate the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team's continued efforts to preserve and protect Olmsted's legacy — one of longstanding stewardship that's paying off every day.