Capitol Conversations
WEEKDAYS AT 1 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.
Click here for 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 the following email as soon as you register: AccessibilityRequests@saa.senate.gov
Tuesday, January 31 – Six Degrees of Separation: Capitol Edition
Historic figures in the Capitol art collection have some unexpected connections. Why did Barry Goldwater write to Thomas Edison? What did Robert Livingston and Robert Fulton have in common? Find out about these and other surprising relationships.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsduivrj0sG91lvj6IL1j12WTk_VXg2CI
Wednesday, February 1 – Capitol Connections: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Rosa Parks
Statues of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Rosa Parks are found in National Statuary Hall. Learn more about these women and their role in the cause of civil rights.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdumhqz0jHDMHdPiDAhoDZutMBtMCC28
Thursday, February 2 – James Armistead Lafayette and the Battle of Yorktown
James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man, played a pivotal role in the Battle of Yorktown, for which he won his freedom. Join us to hear about his journey to freedom.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItc--vqDkvExYFKlFaH4W1475mSVhjZFg
Tuesday, February 7 – No program today.
Wednesday, February 8 – Building and Rebuilding the Crypt
The Crypt, the foundation for the Capitol, has served many functions. This program will explore the creation and many different uses of the Capitol Crypt over time.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItfuigpjIrHfh1t2kPUBcwUp8cSAE0Uds
Thursday, February 9 – Capitol Foundations and the People Who Built It
Join us to learn more about the Aquia Creek sandstone at the Capitol -- the techniques used to cut and ship the stonework, the immigrants and enslaved people who built the Capitol, and how Congress has recognized this difficult chapter in Capitol history.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdOmqrDMqGKqEgtXrYre1cQjG3ornY_U
Tuesday, February 14 – The First Generation of African Americans in Congress: 1869-1901
Following the Civil War, several African American men served in Congress. This program will profile their lives and legacies.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItde-uqD8sGQxU3r-CfZbgy7CcOuEnRfc
Wednesday, February 15 – Frederick Douglass
Join us to learn more about the life of Frederick Douglass, and his championing of civil rights.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsc-2tqTsiEmZBeh1WXzB4Me4tbmbfz30
Thursday, February 16 – President Garfield in Capitol Art
James Garfield is depicted in several pieces of art in the Capitol. Learn more about these commemorations of the 20th president and former member of Congress.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItfuqqqjgpGuGovl4XLgo_YqVeqROYZvc
Tuesday, February 21 – The Spanish American War
In 1898, Congress declared war on Spain following the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana. A number of heroes emerged in this conflict, which is depicted in the “Frieze of American History” in the Rotunda. Join us to learn about some of the Americans who served.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdu-prjkqHQUvCxNYHiAygW7s4fP95eI
Wednesday, February 22 – George Washington and the Federal Capitol: Imprint and Reflection
Curator for the Architect of the Capitol Dr. Michele Cohen will consider the ways George Washington influenced the design of the Capitol and how he is reflected in its art.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuyrrjspGSmnq9YptkqOkXozfqgSQ0U
Thursday, February 23 – John Quincy Adams and the Gag Rule
In 1836, the House of Representatives placed a gag rule on discussions of slavery. Join us to learn about one of the House's loudest voices for freedom, John Quincy Adams, who successfully advocated against the gag rule.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItde-gqT8sEgV4Ep9_x_VMESdico6wi68
Tuesday, February 28 – Benjamin Banneker
This program will look at the life of a free man of color, Benjamin Banneker, who helped survey and lay out the boundary stones of Washington, D.C., and is depicted in Exhibition Hall.
Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsduupqj8jGwDz7NJIIrM60794VREeIt8