Exhibitions & Publications

People, stories, objects, and documents bring to life the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. Exhibitions and publications provide insight into the evolution and culture of “the People’s House” as well as place the information in historical context. Learn more about minority representation in the House, the Congressional Baseball Game, and the famous paintings of Albert Bierstadt, as well as many other interesting stories of the House of Representatives.

The House and Civil Rights

Spurred by a grassroots movement during the mid-20th century, Congress passed landmark legislation to protect Americans’ civil rights. The 1964 Civil Rights Act focused on access to public accommodations and equal employment. Despite its far-reaching provisions, the bill did not fully address barriers to voting, leading to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The narratives in this exhibit tell the stories of these important pieces of legislation.

Hispanic Americans in Congress

Since 1822, when Delegate Joseph Marion Hernández of Florida became the first Hispanic American to serve in Congress, more than 100 Hispanic Americans have served as U.S. Representatives, Delegates, Resident Commissioners, or Senators. This Web site is based on the book Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822–2012.

An Annual Outing: The Congressional Baseball Game

What began as a casual game among colleagues in 1909 has evolved into one of Congress’s most anticipated annual pastimes. Each summer, Representatives and Senators don baseball uniforms, organize teams along party lines, and play ball for charity.

The Tourists' Capitol

Ever since the capital had the Capitol, sight-seers have flocked to see it. See how objects preserved visitors’ memories of the building over the past two centuries.

Women in Congress

Since 1917, when Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to serve in Congress, nearly 300 women have served as U.S. Representatives, Senators, or Delegates. This up-to-date web publication is based on the book, Women in Congress, 1917–2006.

History of the House Page Program

From the earliest Congresses, Pages were employed by the House of Representatives to assist Members in their duties. Over time, their principal tasks—carrying documents, messages, and letters between various congressional offices—passed from older messengers to teenage boys and (much later) girls. Learn more about these House messengers.

Black Americans in Congress

Since 1870, when Senator Hiram Revels of Mississippi and Joseph Rainey of South Carolina became the first African Americans to serve in Congress, more than 130 African Americans have served as U.S. Representatives, Senators, or Delegates. This web publication is based on the book, Black Americans in Congress, 1871–2007.

"Thoroughly American": Albert Bierstadt's Landscape Paintings

What Capitol paintings stretch from sea to shining sea? Find out more about the story behind Discovery of the Hudson and Entrance into Monterey, paintings that show explorers on both coasts.

What’s in the Chamber?

Since 1857, the Chamber of the House has been home to vital democratic processes and a rich heritage. Take a closer look at the scene of some of America’s most dramatic and important legislative events.

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The 1954 Shooting

The Lindy Claiborne Boggs Room

Electronic Technology in the House of Representatives

Capitol Furniture: Design for an Expanding Nation

Speaker’s Rooms in the U.S. Capitol

Florence Kahn: Congressional Widow to Trailblazing Lawmaker

How a Building Changed the House: Cannon House Office Building

The creation of offices for Members of Congress forever changed how the House worked. Learn about the oldest congressional office building, completed in 1908.

The Members' Dining Room

Since 1858, the Members’ Dining Room has provided “wholesome refreshments” to Members and their guests. Find out more about its people, art and history.

Where They Worked: Notable Office Assignments of the U.S. House of Representatives

Where was Representative John F. Kennedy’s office? Many of America’s most notable politicians have served in the House. Find out where they worked.

Statuary Hall: The Transformation of the Old Hall of the House

Learn more about the House’s splendid former chamber, and how it became the home to statues from every state in country.

What’s on the Menu? Bean Soup!

Learn more about the House Restaurant’s famous Bean Soup. Decreed by Speaker Joe Cannon, the soup is served every day.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

View an array of fascinating images of the House of Representatives from the House Photography Collection.

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Exhibitions & Publications

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