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

Chipping Away at the Glass Ceiling

by History on December 21, 2016

By now, most people are familiar with the metaphorical “breaking the glass ceiling” to depict monumental gains made by women in politics, business, industry, and sports. Iconic images like Rosie the Riveter during World War II illustrated a break from tradition that made it more acceptable for women to leave the sphere of domesticity and move into the workforce. Well before the Second World War, Jeannette Rankin of Montana played her part in shattering gender stereotypes when in 1917, she became the first woman elected to Congress. This milestone paved the way for hundreds of women to follow in her footsteps.

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Categories: Rankin Centennial, Oral History, Minorities in Congress

A Boston Teaparty Party

by Art on December 16, 2016

On December 16, 1773, colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor, a political protest and iconic event in American history. One hundred and one years later, the nation commemorated the event by doing just the opposite: serving tea at parties across the nation.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, Rankin Centennial

From Candidate to Congresswoman

by History on November 21, 2016

Early on November 7, 1916, households with telephones in Montana received a call. “Good morning! Have you voted for Jeannette Rankin?”

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Categories: Rankin Centennial, Minorities in Congress, Oral History

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

“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

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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