United States Capitol Historical Society

It is with deep sadness that we learned that former U.S. Representative, veteran, and U.S. Capitol Historical Society President, Clarence “Bud” Brown, Jr., recently passed away at the age of 94. Our thoughts are with his widow, Joyce, who shared each chapter of his public service, and with their children Clancy, Cathy, and Roy.

Representative Brown served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He later succeeded his father, Congressman Clarence Brown, Sr., as representative of Ohio’s 7th Congressional district between 1965 and 1983. While in office, he served on the House Ways and Means Committee and as the ranking Member of the House-Senate Joint Economic Committee (JEC). During this time, he built meaningful relationships with manufacturing and business community leaders; and worked bipartisanly to win passage of the JEC’s first two unanimous reports. Many of their policy proposals were incorporated by Congress and the President to encourage private investment and spur economic growth and job creation.

Afterwards, he served as the 5th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce and later as acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

After retiring from public employment, Representative Brown served as the 2nd President of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society from 1992 to 1999. His vision was instrumental in the organization’s ability to expand and reach new audiences, share Congressional history in modern and compelling ways, and diversify the Society’s funding base. In so doing, Representative Brown spent a decade leading our organization to long-term success and wellbeing.

Thank you, Bud, for your service to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, American citizens, and the United States of America.

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.

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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.