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

The Show Must Go On

by Archives on November 30, 2015

Pemberton Dancers Pose Outside the Capitol
From impassioned speeches to interminable filibusters, congressional oratory is a performing art. But performance doesn’t end inside the House Chamber. The Capitol steps and grounds have set the stage for a number of unlikely recitals, from dancing “modern wood nymphs” to operatic House Pages.

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Categories: Photography, Art & Artifacts, House Pages

Edition for Educators – Thanksgiving Holiday

by History on November 23, 2015

Ready for some turkey and taters? Thanksgiving Day has officially been around as long as the House of Representatives, and it’s seen some congressional attention since it was first declared more than 200 years ago.

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Categories: Education, Holidays

Half Baked

by Archives on November 16, 2015

Rayburn at 1937 Potato Battle
Most debates in the House are settled on the House Floor. But one unusual battle was fought—with potatoes—at the House Restaurant. In the northeastern corner, armed with Aroostook spuds, was Maine. In the northwestern corner, nicknamed the “Potato State,” was Idaho. Maine versus Idaho: the half-baked potato war of 1937.

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Categories: Photography, Art & Artifacts, People

What's in the Speaker's Office?

by Art on November 12, 2015

Increased space, more frequent visits by foreign dignitaries, and the demand for news photos spurred development of what is today known as the Speaker’s Ceremonial Office. The room was part of the 1857 Capitol extension and is furnished to suit the Victorian style with pieces from the House Collection.

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Categories: Art & Artifacts, Speakers of the House

Did House Records Solve a Mystery? #AskAnArchivist and Find Out

by Archives on November 2, 2015

First House Journal
On October 1st, House Archivist Robin Reeder put down her acid-free folders and picked up her keyboard to answer questions on Twitter. During #AskAnArchivist day, readers asked questions big and small. Robin discussed challenges, historic events, rare documents, and a mystery involving Watergate records.

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Categories: Announcements, Records & Research

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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