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

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

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

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

Fandom

by Art on July 6, 2016

Before air conditioning, portable, collapsible, and durable handheld fans were a necessity in the hot months. For congressional candidates, summertime made fans the perfect giveaway at parades, rallies, and “any kind of places where people congregate regularly in hot weather,” as one proponent noted. The House Collection contains breezemakers from a century’s worth of sweltering campaigns.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, 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