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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History & Discoveries

Meeting a Capitol Artist

By sharon gang | August 14, 2012

Sharon Gang, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, describes her experience meeting Jimilu Mason, an American artist with works on display at the U.S. Capitol building.

History & Discoveries

In Pictures: A Green Roof Comes Alive

By aoc curator | August 6, 2012

What had previously been an unusable outdoor tennis court on the Dirksen Senate Office Building roof has been transformed by plantings, drought-resistant and stays green all year long. View photos of the steps along the way and the final aerial image which shows a special design the pathways make.

History & Discoveries

AOC Trailblazer: Georgia Shaw

By kristen frederick | July 12, 2012

Georgia Shaw was the first woman hired by the AOC as a draftsman, leading to a fulfilling 29-year career with the agency. After Georgia passed, her daughter honored her mother’s legacy by including the AOC’s logo on the memorial plaque that marks her grave.

Doing Good

Doing Good: Riding and Raising for Research and Treatment

By kristen frederick | June 8, 2012

This doing good story is of an Architect of the Capitol employee who makes a meaningful difference through an annual bike-a-thon supporting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2011, he was one of more than 5,500 cyclists rode in the event through 46 towns across Massachusetts.

Doing Good

Discovering the Joys of Teaching — and Learning

By kristen frederick | May 17, 2012

Courses taught by Architect of the Capitol employees help communicate business culture and expectations, as well as important skills that high school students can apply to future educational and occupational pursuits. The AOC's first venture with Phelps High School was in January 2009.

History & Discoveries

Presidents in Art

By aoc curator | February 27, 2012

Presidents don't sleep here, but they're honored in art!

Programs & Events

A Holiday Tradition: AOC Trims the Tree

By lori taylor | November 17, 2011

Preparing the Christmas tree is a true team effort for the Architect of the Capitol. Find out how we work around the clock from tree selection to arrival, decoration and lighting.

Behind the Scenes

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

By franklin bradley | October 20, 2011

Equivalent in size to six Empire State Buildings, the buildings of the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court must be operational at all times. Maintaining them at the highest level possible demands the best effort of the employees of the Architect of the Capitol and their equipment.

Behind the Scenes

Set in Stone—How the AOC Honors Historic Preservation

By kristen frederick | May 24, 2011

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the stone exterior of the U.S. Capitol as well as the exteriors of all of the other buildings on Capitol Hill. As the buildings have aged, the challenge of caring for their ornate stone facades has only increased.

Behind the Scenes

A New Home for a Capitol Treasure

By kristen frederick | January 21, 2011

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.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Power Plant: A Century of Service

By aoc staff | December 5, 2010

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.

Projects

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

By aoc staff | May 13, 2010

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.

History & Discoveries

Dome Keepers

By matt guilfoyle | March 13, 2010

The iconic "Walter dome" atop the Capitol is recognized around the world as a symbol of American strength and freedom. During its construction from 1855 to 1866, perhaps the greatest threat to the dome was the outbreak of the Civil War. To protect the capital city, a garrison of Union soldiers was stationed within the Capitol.