Education

Discover ways to bring history to life with featured materials, lesson plans, and resources which highlight the fascinating people and customs of the U.S. House of Representatives.

National History Day 2019: Resource Guide

Explore primary and secondary sources for your 2019 National History Day project. All sample topics relate to this year's theme: Triumph & Tragedy in History.

Lesson Plans

Browse lesson plans and teaching tips for middle and high school students on Black Americans in Congress, Women in Congress, Hispanic Americans in Congress, and other Office of the Historian publications and resources. Fill out the Teacher Book Form (PDF) for complimentary copies.

Time for a Tour: Visiting the People’s House

If you are planning a trip to the U.S. Capitol and want to know more before you arrive, or if you would like to lead your students on a “virtual” tour of the House of Representatives, take a few minutes to wander through this online exhibit.

House Trivia

From the first person to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda to the youngest Member elected to the House of Representatives, view a list of congressional milestones, historic firsts, and trivia.

Fact Sheets

Brush up on House history with a series of fact sheets on Speakers, the House Rostrum, Official Records, House Committees, and other related topics.

Online Resources

Reference and research tools on congressional history, as well as additional information on the House and Senate, are included in this listing of online government resources.

What’s on the Menu? Bean Soup!

Why is serving bean soup such an important tradition in the House of Representatives? Learn the story behind Speaker Joe Cannon of Illinois and the famous House Bean Soup.

Glossary

What is the difference between apportionment and realignment? What is a discharge petition? What does the word quorum mean and how does it relate to the House of Representatives? These and other relevant congressional terms are defined in this glossary.

House Timeline

This timeline features some of the significant institutional and legislative milestones important to both House practice and procedure, as well as U.S. history itself.

We Want Your Feedback! (PDF)

We are updating the education section of our website to make resources more accessible to teachers. Review our website and contact us (PDF) to provide feedback.

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Records Search: Explore Primary Sources

Documentary: Selma and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

House History Blog: Edition for Educators

"Mrs. Education" Representative Edith Starrett Green

Mapping Congress

State of the Union Address

Oral History of the House

Women in Congress

Black Americans in Congress

Origins & Development: Constitution to the Modern House

Book Request Form for Educators

The Office of the Historian provides complimentary print copies of select print publications for classroom use (subject to availability).

Educator Sample Packet (PDF)

This packet contains a sampling of the educational materials designed for teachers on the History, Art & Archives website. It includes an overview, book request forms, and sample lesson plans using the publications Women in Congress and Black Americans in Congress.

Take #UncleJoeOnTheGo

Illinois Speaker Joseph G. "Uncle Joe" Cannon wants to visit the 435 congressional districts to learn more about the United States and beyond. Help our cigar chomping, domino playing Speaker by taking him along on your travels or just to show him a slice of your hometown.

Visiting the Capitol

Information and tips for teachers and school groups planning a trip to the U.S. Capitol.

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