United States Capitol Historical Society

Ronald A. Sarasin

Ronald A. Sarasin

December 31, 1934 – March 27, 2023

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society mourns the passing of Ronald A. Sarasin, who served as the third President/CEO of the organization from 2000 to 2018. A former U.S. Representative from Connecticut, Ron’s was a life of public service – as a sailor during the Korean War, in elected office, and in advocacy of causes he believed in. 

Ron’s tenure as President/CEO of the Society was marked by strength in the face of challenges, and an overall growth in the scale and reach of the organization. He led the organization through the peril of the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks – during which time the Society still operated a gift shop kiosk in the Capitol Crypt – and the ensuing closures of the Capitol. Likewise, Ron helped the Society navigate the turbulent waters around the creation of the Capitol Visitor Center and reach the safe-harbor of partnership with the new entity. 

 Ronald A. SarasinRon also oversaw the development and deployment of several major traveling exhibitions, including Where Freedom Speaks: 200 Years of the United States Capitol in 2000, a 2005 exhibit marking the bicentennial of the birth of Capitol artist Constantino Brumidi, and Helping Shape America: German Americans in the United States Congress from 1789 to Present in 2011. Perhaps most notable was the 2006 exhibit From Freedom’s Shadow: African Americans and the United States Capitol, for which Dr. Felicia Bell conducted groundbreaking research to document the role of enslaved labor in building the Temple of Democracy, and told the story of African American representation through the present day.  

The Society launched its premier civics education initiative under Ron’s leadership. Since the 2005-2006 academic year, the We the People Constitution Tour has brought more than 20,000 middle school students from DC public and public charter schools to visit sites of Constitutional importance throughout their city. At each stop, the students are met by experts and educators who can explain the history of their respective sites and the role these young adults can play in our Great Experiment. Initially built as a working group with the White House Historical Association, the National Park Service, and the Federal Courts, and several private partners, today the consortium has grown to include the active participation of the Supreme Court Historical Society and National Archives. 

In accepting the 2004 National Humanities Medal on behalf of the Society, Ron displayed his characteristic humility and appreciation for his historic role: “The professional staff of the United States Capitol Historical Society is very grateful for this recognition of our efforts to continue the mission of our founder, Congressman Fred Schwengel of Iowa, to help the public ‘catch something of the fire that burned in the hearts of those who walked and talked in these halls’.”  

Thanks for tending the flame, Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Leslie, and sons Michael and Douglas.

The funeral service was on May 20 at Gonzaga College High School’s St. Aloysius Church in Washington, D.C.

You can honor Ron’s legacy and his contributions to this organization by supporting the work of USCHS in his memory.

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.