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

#AskACurator about the House Collection

by Art on September 26, 2016

What object in the House Collection is the most challenging to preserve? The answer might surprise you.

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Categories: Announcements, Art

Edition for Educators—Hispanic Americans in Congress in their Own Words

by History on September 19, 2016

The history of Hispanic Members who served in Congress is one shaped by changes in American society and in the House. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to learn more about these Members in their own words.

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Categories: Education, Minorities in Congress

“Female Cranks” and “Gallery Girls”

by Art on September 13, 2016

There once was a room in the Capitol that no longer exists—the Ladies’ Reception Room. Well-dressed young women, stouthearted activists, and despairing widows filled its sofas and chairs in the 19th century. Long before women entered the House Chamber as Representatives, this space was a battleground in the clash over women’s “proper” role in politics.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, Rankin Centennial

Celebrating 100 Years of Women in Congress

by History on September 13, 2016

Jeannette Rankin
One hundred years ago, Jeannette Rankin of Montana made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. This year, we celebrate 100 years of Women in Congress.

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Categories: Announcements, Rankin Centennial, Minorities in Congress

Taking the Steps: Unity and Recovery After 9/11

by History on September 9, 2016

On the evening of September 11, 2001, congressional leadership prepared to make their first collective response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon hours earlier. Members of Congress assembled on the Capitol steps to join leaders in a public demonstration of unity. Broadcast across the country, it became a powerful image of bipartisan cooperation and resolve, ending with an impromptu rendition of “God Bless America.” This gathering became a symbol of national unity in the ensuing weeks and months.

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Categories: Oral History, Institution

Take Two Aspirin and Give Me a Signed Photo

by Archives on September 6, 2016

Signed Photo
As Attending Physician to Congress, George Calver received a special perk: Every Representative who visited him gave the doctor a signed photograph. Calver amassed a collection of congressional headshots inscribed with personal notes to him. These signed photos, now in the House Collection, reveal relationships and personalities in Congress.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, People, Photography

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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