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For two hundred years, the Capitol has included art that portrays the American Revolutionary War, notably in John Trumbull’s paintings in the Capitol Rotunda. Learn about the people and events that established the United States and how the promises of America’s founding shaped the nation. Ask about the availability of free passes at the information desk in Emancipation Hall.

Jennifer Blancato of the Architect of the Capitol’s Curator Office will discuss Gouverneur Kemble, a businessman, former Member of Congress, and collector and patron of art who gave much care and attention to the 19th century art and artists of the U.S. Capitol. He first introduced the idea of the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1853.

Join us to learn about the dramatic undertaking of the Capitol Dome and the three men most connected with the project: Architect Thomas U. Walter, engineer Montgomery C. Meigs, and Secretary of War Jefferson Davis.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865) the Capitol was a bustling hub of activity. This program will examine the people and events connected to the U.S. Capitol and how they connect to a once-divided country.

Elizabeth M. Reese, author of “Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region”, examines how Lafayette’s tour anticipated the nation’s 50th birthday and shaped American identity.