Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War Tour

In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled "Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War," is offered Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and other important areas at the Capitol, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Brumidi Corridors Tours

A special tour of the Brumidi Corridors on the first floor of the Senate wing of the Capitol enables visitors to view and learn about the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings designed by Constantino Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. This tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, is offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Exhibition Hall Talks

Thursday, February 14 at 1 p.m.
Learn details about the life of abolitionist, Absalom Jones, with the help of Christine Blackerby, Educational Outreach Specialist at the National Archives. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Thursday, February 21 at 1 p.m.
Some historians consider The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 the single most significant event leading to the Civil War. Join Barbara Bair from the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress as she presents a program titled, The Kansas-Nebraska Act and its Consequences. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Thursday, February 28 at 1 p.m.
Archives Specialist, Natalie Rocchio continues the highlight on the Kansas-Nebraska Act as she presents a talk titled, Congress and the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute program. No reservations or passes required.

Exhibition Hall Tours

Visitors are welcome to investigate the Capitol Visitor Center’s Exhibition Hall at their leisure; however, you may also want to take advantage of an opportunity that will help guide your exploration of the historic documents and artifacts that are on display. Monday through Friday at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m., and Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., you may join a 20-minute tour of Exhibition Hall. Through stories and object exploration, learn how Congress and the Capitol have changed as the country has changed. No reservations or passes are required for this program. Meet at the designated time at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Journal-Making

Thursdays, February 14, 21, and 28,
10:30 a.m. - noon
Use your creative skills to design a journal that captures the memories of your visit to the United States Capitol. Activity takes place just outside the North Gift Shop. No reservations or passes required.