United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Institution

Traditions, customs, and precedents shape the rhythms and contours of an institution. First-person narratives of everything from committee hearings to the Congressional Baseball Game provide a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic House of Representatives. The wide-ranging recollections shared by Members and staff enhance the written record, and, in some cases become a rare window into unique House practices.

Capitol Campus

Capitol Campus

Historic rooms and spaces fill all corners of the U.S. Capitol. From the press galleries to the Democratic and Republican cloakrooms, and even Speaker Sam Rayburn’s famous “Board of Education,” learn about the many fascinating areas of the Capitol Campus.

Committees

Committees

Congress conducts the majority of its work in committee. Members and House staff share memories and offer descriptions of the inner workings of House panels, including administration, hearings, investigations, and legislation.

Meetings & Ceremonies

Meetings & Ceremonies

Congress has played host to a diverse range of meetings and ceremonies. First-hand accounts of Joint Sessions and other meetings in the Capitol provide insight into the House’s ceremonial responsibilities.

New Congress

New Congress

The beginning of a new Congress is rooted in precedent, tradition, and fanfare. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how the House re-creates itself every two years.

Pages

Pages

Eyewitnesses to both ordinary proceedings and monumental events, Pages played an important role in the House of Representatives from the earliest Congresses. Learn about the institution through the eyes of the young messengers who ran errands for Members and assisted in floor operations.

Technology

Technology

Over time, the House has instituted new electronic technology to facilitate the legislative process while making it more accessible to the nation. Interviews with Members and staff include discussions about how technological advances like electronic voting, televised proceedings, computers, and smartphones have changed the institution.

Traditions

Traditions

Known for its many traditions, the House embraces its past customs even as it responds to changes in and beyond Capitol Hill. Memories of defunct organizations like the Little Congress Club are included alongside accounts of the thriving Congressional Baseball Game, testifying to the House’s rich and dynamic history.

Featured

Cokie Roberts and Opening Day

Cokie Roberts and Opening Day

Tina Tate and the State of the Union

Tina Tate and the State of the Union

Highlight: Televised House Floor Debate

Highlight: Televised House Floor Debate

Congressional Baseball Game

Congressional Baseball Game

House Institution

House Institution

State of the Union

State of the Union

About the Project

Learn more about the oral history project, editing practices, and rights and reproductions.

List of Interviewees

Search a list of individual interviews, and access audio and video clips, transcripts, interview abstracts, and related images and artifacts.

Educational Resources

Utilize lesson plans and teaching tips to incorporate information from oral history interviews in the classroom.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov