United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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History, Art & Archives of the U.S. House of Representatives

Get Out the Vote

by Archives on November 7, 2016

An Official Ballot Dropped into a Ballot Box
After months of political advertisements and debates, citizens turn out to elect their Representatives on Election Day. Incumbent and hopeful Members of Congress also show up at the polls in their home districts, casting a ballot (presumably) for themselves. Three photographs from the House Collection show past Representatives in the act of voting, while also posing for a good photo op.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, Elections, Photography

Edition for Educators—Halloween

by History on October 31, 2016

In the mood for some spooky Halloween yarns? The House has its own share of tricks and treats.

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Categories: Education, Holidays

Wash, Rinse, and Equal Treatment

by History on October 24, 2016

In December 1967 Representative Martha Griffiths stepped in to save a teetering but beloved decades-old institution known as the House Beauty Shop. What began as a makeover became a movement for equality on Capitol Hill.

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Categories: Rankin Centennial, Minorities in Congress

#AskAnArchivist about Records Search

by Archives on October 14, 2016

On October 5, House Archivist Robin Reeder unveiled a major new website feature and answered dozens of questions during #AskAnArchivist Day on Twitter.

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Categories: Announcements, Records & Research

Unprohibited

by Archives on October 11, 2016

On February 20, 1933, Speaker Garner struggled to maintain order on the House Floor as Thomas Blanton, a “dry,” made a final stand in support of Prohibition. Garner impatiently tapped the inkstand on the rostrum as Representatives booed and shouted “Vote, vote!” After the House voted to repeal Prohibition, the galleries and halls overflowed with the applause of spectators. Yet dismantling the legislative trails of the 18th Amendment took nearly a year. Like a bar crawl, the end of Prohibition was full of awkward moments, fights, and beer.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, People, Photography

And the Perfect Attendance Award Goes to…

by History on October 4, 2016

Rep. William Natcher
In elementary school, perfect attendance means being at school every day. Once in a while a super kid sails through high school without missing a day. Such monumental feats are usually celebrated with a certificate from the principal, or perhaps a newspaper story. In the U.S. House, perfect attendance means never missing a vote during one’s House service and, in some rare cases, making every committee meeting. Several instances of these super Members stand out in House history.

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Categories: House Practice & Traditions, People
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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov