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

Wheelchairs, Ramps, and a Scooter Named “Lulu”

by Archives on July 24, 2015

In the House of Representatives, accessibility was a subject of consideration on the House Floor in the first half of the 20th century, many decades before Rep. Tony Coelho introduced the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1989. Wheelchairs, scooters, and ramps were known to be used in the Chamber and around the Capitol as early as 1881. Photographs from the House Collection document the history of accessibility in the House Chamber.

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Categories: Photography, Art & Artifacts, People

Party Like It's 1732

by Art on July 21, 2015

Landmark birthdays are a big deal, and for George Washington’s 200th, a master party planner was necessary. The House’s own Rep. Sol Bloom applied his talents to the task, coordinating a cross-country series of events—and some interesting souvenirs—throughout 1932.


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Categories: Art & Artifacts

Edition for Educators—Continental Congress

by History on July 15, 2015

Fifteen years before the First Federal Congress met, Great Britain’s American colonies convened a Continental Congress in response to the Intolerable Acts, a series of taxes imposed in the wake of the Boston Tea Party incident of December 1773. The Continental Congress was dissolved after ratification of the Constitution, and prior to the convening of the First Federal Congress in the spring of 1789.

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Categories: Education, Continental Congress

"20 Little Salesmen"

by Art on July 6, 2015

Not so long ago, match companies touted “the smashing advertising power of book matches!” as the best way to light a fire under voters. Budget-conscious candidates agreed. Low cost and wide use turned a set of strikes into “20 little salesmen” for congressional candidates.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts

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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