Declaration of War Gavel
/tiles/non-collection/o/oh_obj_swanson_gavel_hc.xml
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of Irving Swanson About this object
Video
The Speaker's Gavel
Background on the gavel used during the House proceedings that led to the declaration of war against Germany and Italy on December 11, 1941.
Irving Swanson, Reading Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
Interview recorded July 13, 2005
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Deed of Gift
Transcript (PDF)
Images & Artifacts
Declaration of War Gavel
/tiles/non-collection/o/oh_obj_swanson_gavel_hc.xml
Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn used this gavel during proceedings that led the House to declare war against Germany and Italy on December 11, 1941.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of Irving Swanson
About this object
Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn
Sam Rayburn had his portrait painted by British artist Douglas Chandor shortly after his election as Speaker. Chandor, who also painted Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II, held sittings with Rayburn early in the morning and late in the evenings, after the House adjourned.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
About this object
Jeannette Rankin
The first woman elected to Congress, Jeannette Rankin's portrait communicates the cultural importance and loneliness of her position.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
About this object
Declaration of War Against Germany and Italy
Just three days after declaring war against Japan, the House approved a declaration of war against German and Italy.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
About this object
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