United States Capitol Historical Society

The Faults in Our Constitution: No Democracy Lasts Forever

Zoom

May 8, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

The Civil War in Statuary Hall

Zoom

May 29, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Experiencing History

Discover, Engage, Support

Shop Unique Capitol-Themed Gifts This Season!

Find the perfect gifts at the Society Gift Shop, featuring our stunning 2024 holiday ornaments, the 2025 fact-a-day calendar, and a collection of one-of-a-kind gifts that capture the spirit of American democracy. Every purchase supports our mission to share the Capitol’s history.

Join the U.S. Capitol Historical Society

Help preserve and share the history of democracy with an annual membership! Your membership donation directly supports our educational programs, public history initiatives, and civic engagement efforts.

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Free Constitution Resources for Teachers

Our "We the People" Constitution Hub offers free online resources—including videos, lesson plans, and quizzes—to help new and experienced teachers engage their students with the Constitution’s living history and its vital role in our government.

Visit the Hub Today >

Stories from the U.S. Capitol and Its People

Explore the rich history of the U.S. Capitol and the remarkable individuals who have shaped its legacy! Dive into our collection of historical articles and premium content that bring the stories of Congress, lawmakers, and pivotal moments in American history to life.

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Recent Events

Discover the Untold Story of the Metalworkers Who Shaped America's Capitol Dome

The Life of USCHS Co-Founder Congresswoman Marguerite Stitt Church

Native American Sculptures in the Capitol

Rebels at the Gates

Lincoln and Immigration with Harold Holzer

Presidential Grave Hunter

Founding Partisans: Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Adams and the Brawling Birth of American Politics

JFK, Oswald, and Ruby:The 60th Anniversary of the Warren Commission

The War Within - What Jamie Stiehm Witnessed Inside the Capitol on January 6th

The Evolution of Voting Rights: 23rd, 24th & 26th Amendments

Changing the Presidency: Understanding the 20th, 22nd, & 25th Amendments

From Havana to DC: The Rise of Cuban Americans in Florida Politics

Native American Suffrage Symposium Livestream Video

When Women Won the Right to Vote:A New Look at the Nineteenth Amendment

John Quincy Adams: A Militant Spirit

VIDEO: U.S. Capitol Historical Society Gives 2023 Freedom Award to Former House Clerk Cheryl L. Johnson

Under the Dome with the 10th Architect of the Capitol, Alan Hantman

The CIA, FBI, Mafia, and the Kennedys: Senator Frank Church's fight to save democracy

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From Freedom’s Shadow

African Americans & the U.S. Capitol The cruel irony of this nation’s founding and the U.S. Capitol is that both were made possible by the enslavement of African Americans.

We the People Hub

Enhancing Civics Teaching & Learning Engage directly with the national institutions that exist to serve you! Explore free resources to deepen your students' understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

About Us

Discover the heart of American history with the U.S. Capitol Historical Society! Founded in 1962, the Society has proudly worked to preserve and share the history of the Capitol, the Congress, and the people who work therein. As a nonpartisan, educational 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Society was chartered by Congress in 1978, in part, “to foster and increase an informed patriotism.” In service of this mission, the Society conducts historical tours of the Capitol Building, hosts both virtual and in-person public history programming, publishes scholarly research in various aspects of Capitol History, coordinates a digital civics education resource hub for teachers, manages a renowned civics education field trip program for Title I D.C. public school students, and commissions works of fine art for the Capitol collections.

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Civic Education Programs and Resources

Empower your students with a deeper understanding of their civic rights, responsibilities, and the U.S. Constitution. Explore our free, high-quality educational resources, including videos, lesson plans, and activities. Register your class for a special educational tour designed for D.C. students. We're your free source for high-quality civic education!

Complete Your Ornament Collection!

Don't miss this exclusive offer! Buy 3 or more ornaments from our collection and save 20% on your purchase.

Whether you're adding to your collection or gifting a piece of history, now is the perfect time to grab our beautiful, limited-edition ornaments.

Discover the History of the U.S. Capitol!

The Society offers exclusive historian-led tours of the U.S. Capitol as part of our membership program. These engaging tours provide an in-depth look at the Capitol's history, architecture, and the pivotal events that have shaped our nation. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll journey through the Capitol's storied past, learning about its pivotal role in American history and the legislative process.

Support the Society

Supporting our public history and civic education programs has never been easier. Whether you choose to join the Society as a Member or make a tax-deductible donation, your contribution promises a lasting influence. Explore cost-effective ways to maximize your support for our organization now!

Photo (c) Bruce Guthrie

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