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

Sentenced to Death

by History on March 31, 2014

Robert W. Wilcox
Successful candidates to the House of Representatives usually differentiate themselves from other office seekers. Few, however, prove their commitment to the people by being sentenced to death like Robert W. Wilcox, the first Delegate from the Territory of Hawaii.

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Categories: People, Minorities in Congress

George H. Tinkham—The Subtitles Write Themselves

by History on March 24, 2014

George H. Tinkham
Once storied but now largely forgotten, the life and times of Representative George Holden Tinkham of Massachusetts beckon an enterprising biographer. Were someone to take up the call, the list of amusing subtitles might include: The Shot Heard ‘Round the World, Gone on Safari or The Congressman Who Rarely Campaigned.

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Categories: People

Edition for Educators – Celebrating Women’s History Month

by History on March 18, 2014

Jeannette Rankin
Jeannette Rankin’s life was filled with extraordinary achievements: she was the first woman elected to Congress, one of the few suffragists elected to Congress, and the only Member of Congress to vote against U.S. participation in both World War I and World War II. Learn more about the efforts and accomplishments of Rankin and other Women in Congress for Women's History Month.

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Categories: Education, Minorities in Congress

“No Other Word than Magic”

by Art on March 11, 2014

Mantle Clock
Clocks all over the House of Representatives—the plain ones, the fancy ones, even the ones that look like they belong in a high school classroom—have a little set of lights connected to them. Sometimes one is lit, sometimes all seven flash, and sometimes they are accompanied by loud buzzes (or rings, as they are officially termed) blasting a seemingly incomprehensible sequence. How did such a sound-and-light show end up in Congress?

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, House Chamber

Hollywood's Love Affair with Thaddeus Stevens

by History on March 5, 2014

Pennsylvania’s Thaddeus Stevens, gaunt, grim, and badly bewigged, would appear to be a poor candidate for the silver screen. Yet, he has appeared as a major character in three movies, each of which portrayed him in a different light.

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Categories: People, War

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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