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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Projects

Preserving Historic Windows and Doors

By kristen frederick | February 12, 2019

The preservation of the Cannon House Office Building's historic windows and doors allows the building to retain much of its original character and charm, while increasing the building's functionality for those who work and visit within its walls. Learn more about the process.

History & Discoveries

Cast in a New Light: The Capitol Bronze Shop (1855-1859)

By kate holder | February 8, 2019

At a critical time in the U.S. Capitol's evolution, there was a Capitol Bronze Shop established by Montgomery Meigs. From 1855 to 1859, the shop helped serve the needs of the Capitol Extension, a major expansion project to accommodate a growing Congress in Washington, D.C.

Behind the Scenes

Senate Office Moves

By elizabeth yoder | February 6, 2019

Every two years, the Senate Office Buildings jurisdiction takes on one of its biggest responsibilities, the Senate election-year office moves.

Behind the Scenes

House Office Moves

By aoc staff | February 4, 2019

The U.S. House of Representatives just underwent one of the biggest transition cycles in recent history. The Architect of the Capitol's House Office Buildings jurisdiction is heavily involved in the corresponding work — this includes overseeing the lottery process for suite selections to moving all of the affected offices.

History & Discoveries

Cool Cannon Construction Finds

By kristen frederick | January 3, 2019

During the process of renewing the Cannon House Office Building, workers have found hidden treasures that had been lost or discarded by the laborers who constructed the building more than 100 years ago. Here's a small sampling of what has been discovered since the start of the project.

History & Discoveries

Revealing a Tiled Treasure

By kristen frederick | December 18, 2018

How a successful immigrant family left their mark on the U.S. Capitol campus, and Architect of the Capitol's work to clean and preserve a historic treasure: the Cannon House Office Building basement rotunda with a Guastavino tile vaulted ceiling intact as it was originally constructed in 1907.

Behind the Scenes

Reclaiming an Ordinary Day

By erin courtney | November 27, 2018

A story of AOC employees coming together to improve safety on the U.S. Capitol campus for everyone: The Capitol Grounds and Arboretum uses a management tool to track vehicles owned and operated by the agency. The success of this fleet tracker system is leading to more improvements.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: One of My Favorite Things

By stephen t ayers | November 16, 2018

While Architect's Notebook is often used to write about architectural features found on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this time it's about Stephen Ayers' favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their giving and generous spirit.

Doing Good

U.S. Botanic Garden Helps Veterans with Urban Farming

By devin dotson | November 6, 2018

Armed to Urban Farm is a new program presented by the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Center for Appropriate Technology to teach veterans about urban farming careers providing opportunities for military veterans that combine classroom sessions with farm tours and hands-on activities.

Programs & Events

A 'Noble' Decision in Oregon: Selecting the Capitol Christmas Tree

By jim kaufmann | November 1, 2018

The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service. Follow along as our Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum travels to the Willamette National Forest in Oregon to select the 2018 tree.

History & Discoveries

Artfully Yours, John Adams

By sarah davis | October 30, 2018

Similar to many other Founding Fathers, John Adams appears in several pieces of art throughout the United States Capitol. He played a large role in the Declaration of Independence, and art involving the signing of this document is where he can be found the most.

Behind the Scenes

Making Heads Safer, One Bump Cap at a Time

By cristin obrien | July 11, 2018

Hard hats are designed to protect from falling objects, not bumps in narrow spaces. A bump cap resembles an elongated baseball cap with a short brim. Inside are squares of gray foam in a checkerboard pattern. This lightweight cap is the key to head protection in tight spaces at the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Profile in History: Job W. Angus

By franklin bradley | June 28, 2018

A profile story on Job W. Angus, who built multiple structures for ceremonies held for Abraham Lincoln's time as president in Washington, D.C. from his inauguration ballroom to the catafalque for his Lying in State.

History & Discoveries

By the Numbers: Capitol Visitor Center

By laura trivers | June 21, 2018

The Capitol Visitor Center serves as the main entrance for visitors to the U.S. Capitol. It is a facility rich with informational exhibits, two gift shops, a cafe and two orientation theaters. Find out more about the age of the facility, its hours and the number of people who have entered.

History & Discoveries

Calm and Collected Waters

By sarah davis | June 20, 2018

Fountains and formal pools of water abound on the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental tranquility and increased creativity. Here is a collection of seven water features that inspire.