United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Records Search Explore Primary Sources

Records & Research

The people and activities of the U.S. House of Representatives have inspired numerous publications and millions of pages of records that tell their stories. Browse resources to help conduct research on congressional records, the institution of the House, its committees, and its Speakers. Access bibliographies, lists of standard reference volumes, and finding aids for official House records to discover the history behind the House.

Records Search: Explore Primary Sources

Records Search: Explore Primary Sources

House records reflect how citizens and their elected representatives address, advocate, and legislate for important issues. Explore a selection of the records—from the everyday to the extraordinary—of the committees and officers of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On the Record: Featured Documents of the House of Representatives

On the Record: Featured Documents of the House of Representatives

A single piece of paper may not seem significant at first glance, but many of these featured records of the House of Representatives are examples of how one record can illustrate a much larger story. Without records like these, the context for historical events is lost. History is in the records.

Researching the House: Official Records

Researching the House: Official Records

The official records of the House of Representatives tell the story of Congress. From petitions to bill markups, these documents provide valuable context for the law and illuminate the people’s history.

Researching the House: Other Primary Sources

Researching the House: Other Primary Sources

In addition to House records, the personal papers and photographs of Members shine an important light on the people, events, and work of Congress. Learn about these collections to begin your research.

Researching the House: Bibliographies

Researching the House: Bibliographies

Historians have written a wealth of resources about the House of Representatives. Browse extensive bibliographies about House history, committees, Speakers, and the Page program.

Researching the House: Secondary Sources

Researching the House: Secondary Sources

Learn the language of the House through glossaries. Find the right historical volume through bibliographies. Trace changes to historical committee names and jurisdictions.

Featured

Records & Research in the Blog

Records & Research in the Blog

Historical Highlights Featuring House Records

Historical Highlights Featuring House Records

Historical Documents: 1964 Civil Rights Act

Historical Documents: 1964 Civil Rights Act

Historical Documents: Selma & The 1965 Voting Rights Act

Historical Documents: Selma & The 1965 Voting Rights Act

E-mail an Archivist

Contact an archivist with your questions.

Update a Research Collection [PDF]

Provide an update for research collections in the Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress.

Request to Use an Image from the House Collection

Find details about image reproductions and copyright.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov