U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Welcome to the U.S. Capitol. The main entrance is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street.

Please note: Only comments pertaining to our posts will be published. The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored. Today, it stands as a monument not only to its build

Please note: Only comments pertaining to our posts will be published. The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored. Today, it stands as a monument not only to its build

Operating as usual

Learn about the origins of Congress and its powers under Article 1 of the Constitution, join us today for a live discuss...
09/22/2021

Learn about the origins of Congress and its powers under Article 1 of the Constitution, join us today for a live discussion. Register: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

For students and teachers, check out our resource document “The Constitution and Congress” at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/student-programs

Photo Credit: The National Archives and the Architect of the Capitol

Learn about the origins of Congress and its powers under Article 1 of the Constitution, join us today for a live discussion. Register: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

For students and teachers, check out our resource document “The Constitution and Congress” at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/student-programs

Photo Credit: The National Archives and the Architect of the Capitol

#OTD in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that as of Janu...
09/22/2021

#OTD in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the states currently engaged in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” This painting depicts Abraham Lincoln and his Cabinet members reading over the Emancipation Proclamation.

Photo credit: Architect of the Capitol

#OTD in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the states currently engaged in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” This painting depicts Abraham Lincoln and his Cabinet members reading over the Emancipation Proclamation.

Photo credit: Architect of the Capitol

Maple syrup! Maple candy! Maple trees! Maple jewelry? Our online store features one-of-a-kind jewelry made from mapl...
09/21/2021

Maple syrup! Maple candy! Maple trees! Maple jewelry? Our online store features one-of-a-kind jewelry made from maple leaves. And what does this have to do with the Capitol? Maple is among the tree varieties showing off their rich, fall colors at the Capitol Grounds.

https://shop.visitthecapitol.gov/japanese-maple-leaf-necklace

#FallFavorites #GiftShop #MapleLeaf #Maple #CapitolGrounds #MadeinAmerica

Maple syrup! Maple candy! Maple trees! Maple jewelry? Our online store features one-of-a-kind jewelry made from maple leaves. And what does this have to do with the Capitol? Maple is among the tree varieties showing off their rich, fall colors at the Capitol Grounds.

https://shop.visitthecapitol.gov/japanese-maple-leaf-necklace

#FallFavorites #GiftShop #MapleLeaf #Maple #CapitolGrounds #MadeinAmerica

“We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquili...
09/21/2021

“We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Only 52 words long and written by Gouverneur Morris, the Preamble of the Constitution enshrines in a single document certain values and goals of a new government for a young nation.

To learn more about the Preamble, join us today for a live discussion at 1pm. Register: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

Check out our Constitution Preamble Activity available for elementary and middle school students. Visit: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/student-programs

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #thepreamble #gouverneurmorris

Photo Credit: U.S. Senate Historical Office

“We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Only 52 words long and written by Gouverneur Morris, the Preamble of the Constitution enshrines in a single document certain values and goals of a new government for a young nation.

To learn more about the Preamble, join us today for a live discussion at 1pm. Register: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

Check out our Constitution Preamble Activity available for elementary and middle school students. Visit: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/student-programs

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #thepreamble #gouverneurmorris

Photo Credit: U.S. Senate Historical Office

♫“Do you remember, the 21st night of September…?”♫ In 2000 Congress passed the National Recording Preservation Act. This...
09/21/2021

♫“Do you remember, the 21st night of September…?”♫

In 2000 Congress passed the National Recording Preservation Act. This act ensured that the Library of Congress establishes the National Recording Registry for the purpose of maintaining and preserving sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. R&B group Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” as well as William Jennings Bryant’s “Cross of Gold” speech”, Orson Welles’ 1938 War of the Worlds radio recording, LaBelle’s 1974 #1 hit “Lady Marmalade”, and the 1908 recording of “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” are amongst the many sound recordings the Library of Congress have included in their registry.

Photo credit: Library of Congress

♫“Do you remember, the 21st night of September…?”♫

In 2000 Congress passed the National Recording Preservation Act. This act ensured that the Library of Congress establishes the National Recording Registry for the purpose of maintaining and preserving sound recordings that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. R&B group Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” as well as William Jennings Bryant’s “Cross of Gold” speech”, Orson Welles’ 1938 War of the Worlds radio recording, LaBelle’s 1974 #1 hit “Lady Marmalade”, and the 1908 recording of “Take Me Out To the Ballgame” are amongst the many sound recordings the Library of Congress have included in their registry.

Photo credit: Library of Congress

09/20/2021
Create a Bill Friend

Just as the delegates at the Constitutional Convention crafted our nation's founding document, you can craft too! Create a Bill Friend to enjoy not just for Constitution Week, but for always!

#constitutionweek2021 #diycrafts #familyactivity #childrenscrafts

Many know the names George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison, but have you ever heard ...
09/20/2021

Many know the names George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison, but have you ever heard of Jacob Shallus? Shallus was not a delegate to the Constitutional Convention but he played a vital role. As Assistant Clerk of the Pennsylvania Legislature, for $30 Shallus hand wrote the official copy of the U.S. Constitution.

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #jacobshallus #constitutionalconvention1787

Photo Credit: The National Archives

Many know the names George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison, but have you ever heard of Jacob Shallus? Shallus was not a delegate to the Constitutional Convention but he played a vital role. As Assistant Clerk of the Pennsylvania Legislature, for $30 Shallus hand wrote the official copy of the U.S. Constitution.

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #jacobshallus #constitutionalconvention1787

Photo Credit: The National Archives

09/20/2021
Elected two years after New Mexico was admitted to the Union in 1912, Benigno Hernández was the first Hispanic American ...
09/20/2021

Elected two years after New Mexico was admitted to the Union in 1912, Benigno Hernández was the first Hispanic American from New Mexico elected as a full member to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Henry González represented his Texas district for 37 years in the House, making him the longest-serving Hispanic Member of Congress. González’s son Charles succeeded him; they were the first Hispanic father-son pair of representatives.

#nationalhispaniclatinxheritagemonth #congressionalhispaniccaucus #congressionalhistory

Photo credit: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives

Elected two years after New Mexico was admitted to the Union in 1912, Benigno Hernández was the first Hispanic American from New Mexico elected as a full member to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Henry González represented his Texas district for 37 years in the House, making him the longest-serving Hispanic Member of Congress. González’s son Charles succeeded him; they were the first Hispanic father-son pair of representatives.

#nationalhispaniclatinxheritagemonth #congressionalhispaniccaucus #congressionalhistory

Photo credit: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives

Join our engaging guides and visitor services team on Zoom for Capitol Conversations Monday-Friday at 1 pm. This week we...
09/19/2021

Join our engaging guides and visitor services team on Zoom for Capitol Conversations Monday-Friday at 1 pm. This week we focus on the Constitution.

• Monday, September 20 – Constitution 101
• Tuesday, September 21 – The Preamble
• Wednesday, September 22 – Congress & the Constitution
• Thursday, September 23 – The Signing of the Constitution
• Friday, September 24 – The Supreme Court Inside the Capitol: Part 1

Register at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021
Photo Credit: The National Archives

Join our engaging guides and visitor services team on Zoom for Capitol Conversations Monday-Friday at 1 pm. This week we focus on the Constitution.

• Monday, September 20 – Constitution 101
• Tuesday, September 21 – The Preamble
• Wednesday, September 22 – Congress & the Constitution
• Thursday, September 23 – The Signing of the Constitution
• Friday, September 24 – The Supreme Court Inside the Capitol: Part 1

Register at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-conversations

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021
Photo Credit: The National Archives

#DYK that the only state that did not send a delegate to the Constitutional Convention was Rhode Island? The Constitutio...
09/19/2021

#DYK that the only state that did not send a delegate to the Constitutional Convention was Rhode Island? The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but Rhode Island would not ratify the document until May 29, 1790, with the promise of the inclusion of a Bill of Rights.

Rhode Island sent this statue of Major General Nathaniel Greene, sculpted by Henry Kirke Brown from marble, to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1870.

#rhodeisland #usconstitution📜 #constitutionalconvention1787 #constitutionweek2021 #ratification #billofrights1791 #nathanielgreene #henrykirkebrown #nationalstatuaryhallcollection

Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol

#DYK that the only state that did not send a delegate to the Constitutional Convention was Rhode Island? The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but Rhode Island would not ratify the document until May 29, 1790, with the promise of the inclusion of a Bill of Rights.

Rhode Island sent this statue of Major General Nathaniel Greene, sculpted by Henry Kirke Brown from marble, to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1870.

#rhodeisland #usconstitution📜 #constitutionalconvention1787 #constitutionweek2021 #ratification #billofrights1791 #nathanielgreene #henrykirkebrown #nationalstatuaryhallcollection

Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol

Teachers -- Register your class for the Debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 Analyze the plans, debates and ...
09/19/2021

Teachers -- Register your class for the Debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787

Analyze the plans, debates and compromises forged during the creation of the U.S. government. 30-45 minutes. This program is available for middle and high school students. Book here: https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/

#usconstitution📜 #usconstitutionweek2021 #studentprograms

Teachers -- Register your class for the Debates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787

Analyze the plans, debates and compromises forged during the creation of the U.S. government. 30-45 minutes. This program is available for middle and high school students. Book here: https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/

#usconstitution📜 #usconstitutionweek2021 #studentprograms

#DYK that over 11,000 amendments have been proposed, but only 33 were submitted to the states for ratification of which ...
09/18/2021

#DYK that over 11,000 amendments have been proposed, but only 33 were submitted to the states for ratification of which 27 were adopted?

Visit our online Gift Shop for your own copy of our country's founding document from our Constitution Day Collection.
https://shop.visitthecapitol.gov/store/collections/constitution-day

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #constitutionalamendments

#DYK that over 11,000 amendments have been proposed, but only 33 were submitted to the states for ratification of which 27 were adopted?

Visit our online Gift Shop for your own copy of our country's founding document from our Constitution Day Collection.
https://shop.visitthecapitol.gov/store/collections/constitution-day

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #constitutionalamendments

What is the Constitution?Teachers -- Register for a discussion about this foundation document of the U.S government in a...
09/18/2021

What is the Constitution?

Teachers -- Register for a discussion about this foundation document of the U.S government in a special program with a Capitol Visitor Center educator. Students can learn about Article I of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the role of citizens in our democracy, and the role of Congress in our government based on your curricular goals. 30-45 minutes. This program is available for all grade levels. Book here: https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/cvc

Also check out the supplemental resource “The Constitution and Congress” for middle and high school students.
Visit:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/images/education/student-programs/CVC_ConstitutionalConventionActivity_0.pdf

#usconstitution📜 #usconstitutionweek2021 #studentactivity #studentprograms

What is the Constitution?

Teachers -- Register for a discussion about this foundation document of the U.S government in a special program with a Capitol Visitor Center educator. Students can learn about Article I of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the role of citizens in our democracy, and the role of Congress in our government based on your curricular goals. 30-45 minutes. This program is available for all grade levels. Book here: https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/cvc

Also check out the supplemental resource “The Constitution and Congress” for middle and high school students.
Visit:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/images/education/student-programs/CVC_ConstitutionalConventionActivity_0.pdf

#usconstitution📜 #usconstitutionweek2021 #studentactivity #studentprograms

The Capitol’s first cornerstone was laid on #otd in 1793, by President George Washington in a Masonic ceremony. There ce...
09/18/2021

The Capitol’s first cornerstone was laid on #otd in 1793, by President George Washington in a Masonic ceremony. There ceremony was preceded by a parade and followed by celebration and feasting.

Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol

The Capitol’s first cornerstone was laid on #otd in 1793, by President George Washington in a Masonic ceremony. There ceremony was preceded by a parade and followed by celebration and feasting.

Photo Credit: Architect of the Capitol

#DYK the Constitution Convention adopted a rule of secrecy so that the information was not given to the public until the...
09/17/2021

#DYK the Constitution Convention adopted a rule of secrecy so that the information was not given to the public until the document was written? The hope was the secret debates would encourage would create free and candid discussions amongst the delegates.

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionalconvention1787 #constitutionweek2021

Photo Credit: The National Archives and the Architect of the Capitol

#DYK the Constitution Convention adopted a rule of secrecy so that the information was not given to the public until the document was written? The hope was the secret debates would encourage would create free and candid discussions amongst the delegates.

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionalconvention1787 #constitutionweek2021

Photo Credit: The National Archives and the Architect of the Capitol

#DYK 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention? The ages of the delegates h...
09/17/2021

#DYK 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention? The ages of the delegates had a wide range, the youngest was New Jersey’s Jonathan Dayton who was only 27.

To learn more about the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, check out these fun and informative Constitutional Convention activities for middle and high school students.

Visit:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/images/education/student-programs/CVC_ConstitutionalConventionActivity_0.pdf

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #benjaminfranklin #jonathandayton #constitutionalconvention #studentactivity
Photo Credit: The National Archives

#DYK 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention? The ages of the delegates had a wide range, the youngest was New Jersey’s Jonathan Dayton who was only 27.

To learn more about the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, check out these fun and informative Constitutional Convention activities for middle and high school students.

Visit:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/sites/default/files/images/education/student-programs/CVC_ConstitutionalConventionActivity_0.pdf

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek2021 #benjaminfranklin #jonathandayton #constitutionalconvention #studentactivity
Photo Credit: The National Archives

The United States Constitution, the world’s longest surviving written charter of government, was signed on #otd in 1787....
09/17/2021

The United States Constitution, the world’s longest surviving written charter of government, was signed on #otd in 1787. Its first three words— “We the People”— affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. Article 1 establishes Congress as the “First Branch” of the federal government.

To learn more about what led to this momentous occasion and how it impacted a young nation, join us today for a live discussion at 1pm.
Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdO2vrzopGD3dlwBNU-FqW3P-gCQUerk

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek
Photo credit: Architect of the Capitol

The United States Constitution, the world’s longest surviving written charter of government, was signed on #otd in 1787. Its first three words— “We the People”— affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. Article 1 establishes Congress as the “First Branch” of the federal government.

To learn more about what led to this momentous occasion and how it impacted a young nation, join us today for a live discussion at 1pm.
Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdO2vrzopGD3dlwBNU-FqW3P-gCQUerk

#usconstitution📜 #constitutionweek
Photo credit: Architect of the Capitol

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20515

There are three subway stops found within walking distance of the Capitol: Union Station – Located at First Street, NW, and Massachusetts Avenue. Capitol South – Located at First Street between C and D Streets, SE. Federal Center, SW – Located at the southwest corner of Third and D Streets, SW.

General information

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working office building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world. Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting the Exhibition Hall, perusing our Gift Shops or dining in our Restaurant. Prohibited Items Capitol visitor policies are designed to keep visitors and staff safe and secure and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds for generations to come. Before entering the Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. The following items are strictly prohibited in the Capitol, including the Capitol Visitor Center: • Liquid, including water • Food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food • Aerosol containers • Non-aerosol spray (Prescriptions for medical needs are permitted.) • Any pointed object, e.g. knitting needles and letter openers (Pens and pencils are permitted.) • Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep • Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices • Guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks • Knives of any size • Mace and pepper spray • Razors and box cutters Please note that the U.S. Capitol Police are authorized to make exceptions if a prohibited item is determined to be necessary and required to serve child care, medical or other special needs. If you have questions, please call the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202.224.4048. The following items are not allowed in the Senate and House Galleries: • Battery-operated electronic devices (medical devices are permitted) • Cameras • Cans and bottles • Creams, lotions or perfume • Packages, briefcases, backpacks or suitcases • Strollers • Video recorders or any type of recording device Each Gallery operates a checkstand where visitors may store these items securely while they are visiting that Gallery. Also, note that smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Capitol, and food and drink are only allowed in the Capitol Visitor Center Restaurant.

Telephone

(202) 226-8000

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