United States Capitol Historical Society

USCHS Council of Scholars: Library of Congress

Library of Congress Main Reading Room

The Council of Scholars advises USCHS staff on the selection of scholars for presentations in “Scholars Series” webinars and Congressional Briefings, writings in The Capitol Dome, development of new educational features of the USCHS website, and other USCHS activities. Leading academics in fields related to the USCHS mission including American history, political history, art history, architecture, political science, public policy, economics, and law are eligible to serve on the Council of Scholars.

MEMBERS

Felicia A. Bell, PhD
Director of Public Engagement, “Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past,” Smithsonian Institution

Fergus Bordewich
Author and Historian

Joanne B. Freeman, PhD
Class of 1954 Professor of American History and of American Studies, Yale University

Gerald Gamm, PhD
Professor of Political Science and History, University of Rochester

Martha S. Jones, PhD, JD
Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor and Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University

James Thurber, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Government, American University

Barbara Wolanin, PhD
Curator Emerita, Architect of the Capitol

Ex Officio:
Michele Cohen, PhD
Curator, Architect of the Capitol

Want to Support Civic Education?

We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.

  • A $111 donation covers all expenses for one student, covering all costs associated with the tour.
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  • $325 provides lunches for 25 students during their trip, ensuring they stay energized and engaged.
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  • A donation of $3,880 will sponsor an entire trip for one class.

“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.

– Mrs. Penny Morrill on why she supports the “We the People” Constitution Tours

Support Civic Education in 2025

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and encourage informed civic participation. By becoming an annual member, your support funds vital programs such as the ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour for DC students, free resources and lesson plans for teachers, and our series engaging virtual and in-person public history events. Together, we will preserve Congress’s history and empower citizens to influence the future of our democracy.

Join Today!

Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.

Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.