United States Capitol Historical Society

The Wild World of the Gilded Age Capitol Tours

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Visitors have always been a part of the story of the Capitol as the heart of American democracy. “The Wild World of the Gilded Age Capitol Tours” will examine the surprising history of Capitol tourism from the 1870s into the early 20th century and the characters who began some of the most enduring traditions of the Capitol visitor experience. Join us on Tuesday, February 22 at Noon EST as USCHS Fellow Blake Lindsey presents the results of his fascinating research.

Like all USCHS programs, this webinar is free and open to the public.

About the Speaker: Blake Lindsey is a local historian and author whose work has been featured in Washington History and the Midwest Quarterly. His research into the Civil War Defenses of Washington has earned grants and accolades from Virginia Tech and Pittsburg State University, and has influenced recent programming with the National Park Service. Blake was selected by USCHS in June 2020 for the Capitol Fellowship Program to pursue research into the history of tourism at the Capitol, a passion awakened by his own experiences providing interpretation of the building to the public as a Visitor Guide at the United States Capitol Visitor Center. He holds degrees in History from Pittsburgh State University and Clemson University.

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

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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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