United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Education

Discover ways to bring history to life with featured materials, lesson plans, and resources which highlight the fascinating people and customs of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans

Browse lesson plans and teaching tips for middle and high school students on Black Americans in Congress, Women in Congress, and other Office of the Historian publications and resources. Fill out the Teacher Book Form (PDF) for complimentary copies.

House Trivia

House Trivia

From the first person to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda to the youngest Member elected to the House of Representatives, view a list of congressional milestones, historic firsts, and trivia.


 

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheets

Brush up on House history with a series of fact sheets on Speakers, the House Rostrum, Official Records, House Committees, and other related topics.

Online Resources

Online Resources

Reference and research tools on congressional history, as well as additional information on the House and Senate, are included in this listing of online government resources.

What’s on the Menu? Bean Soup!

What’s on the Menu? Bean Soup!

Why is serving bean soup such an important tradition in the House of Representatives? Learn the story behind Speaker Joe Cannon of Illinois and the famous House Bean Soup.

Glossary

Glossary

What is the difference between apportionment and realignment? What is a discharge petition? What does the word quorum mean and how does it relate to the House of Representatives? These and other relevant congressional terms are defined in this glossary.

House Timeline

House Timeline

This timeline features some of the significant institutional and legislative milestones important to both House practice and procedure, as well as U.S. history itself.  

Featured

House History Blog: Edition for Educators

House History Blog: Edition for Educators

"Mrs. Education" Representative Edith Starrett Green

"Mrs. Education" Representative Edith Starrett Green

Mapping Congress

Mapping Congress

State of the Union Address

State of the Union Address

Oral History of the House

Oral History of the House

<em>Women in Congress</em>

Women in Congress

<em>Black Americans in Congress</em>

Black Americans in Congress

Origins &amp; Development: Constitution to the Modern House

Origins & Development: Constitution to the Modern House

Records &amp; Research

Records & Research

Book Request Form for Educators

The Office of the Historian provides complimentary print copies of select print publications for classroom use (subject to availability).

Visiting the Capitol

Information and tips for teachers and school groups planning a trip to the U.S. Capitol.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov