Capitol Conversations

WEDNESDAYS AT 2 p.m. -- Join our engaging guides and visitor services team on Zoom for Capitol Conversations – live, interactive, virtual discussions about the U.S. Capitol. During Capitol Conversations, our staff will discuss some of the U.S. Capitol’s historic spaces, artwork, artifacts and statues.

Visit the Online Gift Shop for the books and other materials mentioned during Capitol Conversations.

To request an accommodation to participate in a Capitol Conversation, please email your request to AccessibilityRequests@saa.senate.gov at least five business days in advance of the presentation date.
 

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – Library of  Congress

Learn about the early days of the Library of Congress, once housed here inside the Capitol from its creation until 1897.

https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/dvMOQN5JTai5ox0BLszjiw
 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – Best Friends: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt

A 30-minute discussion about how two women from vastly different backgrounds maintain a 30 years friendship that would change the nation. The discussion will include a brief discussion about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s statue in National Statuary Hall and how elements of that statue represent her friendship with First Lady Eleonor Roosevelt. In addition, the Capitol Conversation will take place around the time of the Memorial Day holiday, the discussion will include a short story about how their friendship will have a direct impact on American soldiers during World War II.

https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/Zeb3vbphSxqOdwimS2kx-Q
 

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Cooling Congress: Air Conditioning in the Capitol

This program will cover the history of air conditioning within the Capitol Building, building off of the program on the Power Plant to be done on June 4.

https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/VhTwyNf2Rayn5PSfjqk9bg
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – The Great Compromiser: Henry Clay

This program will cover the life and legacy of Senator, Representative, and Speaker of the House Henry Clay, one of the two statues from the state of Kentucky. Speaker Clay served in both the Old House and Old Senate, as well as was the first person to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/hHMScSp_ShS-bpf_sOcbFA