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

Inside the Chamber on Opening Day

by Art on January 3, 2017

Every two years, as mandated in Article I, Section 2, of the Constitution, the U.S. House of Representatives starts a new legislative session, known as a Congress. Using longstanding precedent and a few highly visible artifacts, the House embarks on the pomp and ritual of its biennial Opening Day.

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Categories: House Chamber, Opening Day

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

The Many Depictions of Thomas Brackett Reed

by Art on November 14, 2016

On October 18th we wished Thomas Brackett Reed, accomplished and admired three-time Speaker of the House of Representatives, a happy 177th birthday!

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, People

#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

“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

Postcards from the House(s)

by Art on August 24, 2016

At the turn of the century, you could send a picture and a message across the country to share your adventures with friends and family for just a penny. How many bore pictures of Representatives’ homes?

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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