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On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy addressed a joint session of Congress saying, “this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal… of landing a man on the Moon.” Learn about Congress’ role in the United States’ exploration of space and how it is commemorated in the Capitol.

It’s National Park Week! Learn about Congress' role in the creation of the National Park Service, from the Yellowstone Act of 1872 to the Organic Act of 1916.

The Suffrage Parade of 1913 attracted thousands of people to Washington, D.C. The parade began at the Capitol and included suffragist Jeannette Rankin of Montana, the first woman elected to serve in Congress.

We continue our commemoration of Black History Month as we discuss the first African Americans to serve in Congress (South Carolina Rep. Joseph Rainey and Mississippi Sen. Hiram Revels) and the first Black women elected to Congress. 

Learn about the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass and why the District of Columbia sent a statue of him as a gift to Congress.Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItd-msrTssG-wyZRzGwRdOfuStXYxfoVo

In 1842, Charles Dickens toured the United States from Boston to St. Louis. His travels brought him to Washington, D.C., for a week. Learn about what he saw and experienced, including coming to the Capitol every day to visit Congress in session. Registration: https://aocgovus.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsfu6gpjwoEkzAKHcRqnWCRqD65Jrfx2E

When Congress restored the Old Supreme Court Chamber and Old Senate Chamber to their 1850s appearance, they included some objects that are frequently asked about on Capitol tours. We will discuss how those items, like the quills and inkstands, were used at the time and how those traditions are carried on today by the Senate and the Supreme Court.

With the many different types of ceremonies hosted by Congress, the Capitol is sometimes known as the "National Stage." Join us to learn about some of these ceremonies.

Learn about how the Capitol, Congress and the United States developed over the past 200 years.

Join a CVC Curator for a tour of the special exhibit, “Congressional Investigations.” Meet at the sign inside Exhibition Hall.