Special Activities at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Aside from the general tour of the U.S. Capitol offered Monday through Saturday from 8:50 a.m. until 3:20 p.m., there are a number of special activities you may take advantage of.

Capitol Talks

U.S. Capitol Exhibition Hall Talk Tuesdays, February 21 and 28 at 1 p.m.
William Allen, Historian Emeritus, talks about the role President George Washington played in the building of the Capitol. Pick up a pass at the North Information Desk on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center and meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall for this 40-minute talk.

Tuesdays, March 6, 13, and 27 at 1 p.m.
With the help of William Allen, Historian Emeritus, find out how enslaved workers helped build the U.S. Capitol. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center for this 40-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Exhibition Hall Talks

Image of Exhibition Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Thursday, February 16, 1 p.m.
Natalie Rocchio, Archives Specialist at the National Archives, presents a discussion on Harriet Tubman's petition to Congress for a Civil War pension. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Thursday, February 23, 1 p.m.
Barbara Bair, Historian in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress, explains details about the Amistad trial, a case tried in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the Capitol. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War Tour

150th Anniversary of the Civil War In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled "Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War," is offered Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and other important areas at the Capitol, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Brumidi Corridors Tours

Brumidi Corridor in U.S. Capitol A special tour of the Brumidi Corridors on the first floor of the Senate wing of the Capitol enables visitors to view and learn about the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings designed by Constantino Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. This tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, is offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Exhibition Hall Family Program

Exhibition Hall Family Program On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., the history of Congress comes to life through this 30-minute program in Exhibition Hall. Discover how the Capitol expanded over time, and unpack the details of a law and what goes into making a legislative decision. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center. No reservations or passes required.