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

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Programs & Events

Capturing Autumn

Michael Dunn, Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) chief of photography, draws upon his many years of experience to share tips for photographing the U.S. Capitol Grounds in fall.
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History & Discoveries

Unearthing Capitol Hill's Buried History

By Kristen Frederick | October 18, 2024

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

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: Photography and Technical Imaging Branch

By AOC Staff | September 24, 2024

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.

Programs & Events

Branching Out: A Search for Christmas in Alaska's Rainforest

By Jim Kaufmann | August 14, 2024

While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

History & Discoveries

The Liberty Cap: Symbol of American Freedom

By AOC Staff | July 26, 2024

The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.

Behind the Scenes

Leading by Example

By Erin Nelson | July 8, 2024

Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.

Behind the Scenes

Ducts in a Row

By Madeleine Lucchetti | June 21, 2024

The experts at the House Mechanic Shop meticulously oversee campus HVAC systems, ensuring building temperatures are optimal for both daily operations and historic preservation.

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Historic Preservation Officer

By Aimee Jorjani | May 30, 2024

Donna Klee has worked for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for more than 10 years and was named the agency's Historic Preservation Officer in the fall of 2023. In this capacity, she works to implement the agency's preservation policy.

Projects

A House for All Seasons

By Justin Kieffer | May 28, 2024

More than 140 years later, the Architect of the Capitol's Summerhouse still offers visitors respite. Recent maintenance efforts will help keep the site around for repeat visitors and first timers alike.

Behind the Scenes

AOC Experts Keep it Cool for Historic Preservation Efforts

By Madeleine Lucchetti | May 7, 2024

When it comes to preserving the Library of Congress' (LOC) record-breaking collection of more than 175 million items — including books, historical materials and cultural artifacts — the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff plays an instrumental role in keeping things cool.

History & Discoveries

The Original Olmsted Trees

By Capitol Grounds and Arboretum | April 26, 2024

Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.

Programs & Events

Four Sustainable Practices from Our Grounds to Yours

By Capitol Grounds and Arboretum | April 22, 2024

At the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team works hard to promote green and sustainable practices around the Capitol campus.

History & Discoveries

Jefferson Finds Capitol Inspiration in City of Light

By Franklin Bradley | April 12, 2024

Thomas Jefferson, inspired by skylights he saw in Paris, prevailed upon the Architect of the Capitol to include something similar in the U.S. Capitol's new chamber for the House of Representatives. However, all the skylights came to an untimely end.