On Thursday, July 12th, the United States Capitol Historical Society formally presented its latest book Creating Capitol Hill: Place, Proprietors, and People to Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx of North Carolina at a ceremony held in the Rayburn House Office Building.
Donald G. Carlson, Chair of the USCHS Board of Trustees, opened the event with remarks thanking Representatives Cole and Foxx for their service to both the U.S. Capitol Historical Society as Trustees and to our country as Members of Congress. Mr. Carlson then related how Creating Capitol Hill is the product of a decades-long endeavor on the part of the contributors – Charles Carroll Carter, William C. diGiacomantonio, Pamela Scott, and Don Alexander Hawkins – and the editor Donald Kennon, who is also Chief Historian Emeritus of the USCHS.
Congressman Cole shared the following thoughts on the book: “As a historian, I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. It was an honor to support the release of the society’s newest publication, Creating Capitol Hill. The book beautifully illustrates the storied past and evolution of Capitol Hill. I look forward to sharing it with my friends, family and constituents.”
Congresswoman Foxx expressed the following sentiments on her involvement with the society: “It was a pleasure to join the U.S. Capitol Historical Society today for the launch of its new book, Creating Capitol Hill. The Society does excellent work in promoting knowledge of the Capitol’s history, appreciation for its important role and in helping preserve it. I’m glad to have been a benefactor of its mission today, and look forward to reading my copy of the book.”
Charles Beck, a USCHS Volunteer and tour guide, was on hand to help present the books to Representatives Cole and Foxx. Along with USCHS Consultant Samuel Holliday, Mr. Beck will be leading distribution efforts over the coming weeks as Society volunteers and staff bring a copy of Creating Capitol Hill to each of the 541 Congressional Offices.
