United States Capitol Historical Society

The U.S. Capitol Historical Society invites you to join us in our mission to inspire informed patriotism. For over 61 years, we have been the nation’s foremost public education resource for the history of the Capitol and the legislative process. Our flagship education program, the We the People Constitution Tour, is a free, all-day, in-person tour for Washington D.C. 8th graders, particularly those from Title 1 schools. This tour engages students in discussions on constitutional issues at historic sites in D.C. While we eagerly approach the upcoming school year this fall, our We the People program faces urgent funding needs due to the increased costs of buses, tour guides, student lunches, and essential educational materials. Our primary focus is to ensure that every student receives the education they deserve, free of charge. Together, we can overcome these challenges head-on and work towards cultivating a generation of well-informed and active citizens.

Or mail a check payable to:

U.S. Capitol Historical Society
200 Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, D.C. 20002

Help Civic Engagement Blossom

Non-Partisan. Non-Profit. Capitol History.

Invest in Your History Today

This Giving Tuesday, Give the Gift of Civic Knowledge!

When you donate to the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, your support
  • “We the People” Constitution Tour field trips for D.C. Title I School students,
  • Public history programming including webinars, lectures, and our annual symposium,
  • and teacher resources that can be found on our We the People Hub

When you donate today, your gift doubles!

Thanks to a generous community member, every dollar donated today will be matched up to

$15,000

Donate today to help us foster and increase an informed patriotism!

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.