United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Discover the rich heritage of “the People’s House” and its central role in U.S. history since 1789. Explore its unique story and the men and women who have shaped it. Browse its collections. Access historical data and other research resources.

Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

December 11, 2020

Joseph Rainey and Reconstruction’s Promise

On December 12, 1870, newspapers across the nation heralded the swearing in of Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina as the first African-American Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Rainey not only represented his South Carolina district. He also represented, he said, “the outraged and oppressed negro population of this country, those I may strictly call my constituency.”
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Oral History

Tireless Campaigning

The Honorable Kendrick B. Meek describes the strategies his mother taught him during his own campaign for public office.
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About The Offices

This site is a collaborative project between the Office of the Historian and the Clerk of the House's Office of Art and Archives. The offices preserve, collect, and interpret the heritage of the U.S. House, serving as the institution’s memory and a resource for Members, staff, and the general public.

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Featured Collection Object

Featured Oral History

Oral Histories of African Americans in Congress

Oral Histories of African Americans in Congress

Featured Records

Regionalized Types of Farming in the United States

Regionalized Types of Farming in the United States

National Defense Education Act

National Defense Education Act

Historical Highlight

The Constitution in the <em>Congressional Record </em> December 14, 1882

The Constitution in the Congressional Record

A Joint Session of Congress memorializing President Woodrow Wilson December 15, 1924

A Joint Session of Congress memorializing President Woodrow Wilson

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