U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hosts a luncheon in National Statuary Hall for the newly-elected leaders. In 2009, to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, the place setting featured a reproduction of Lincoln’s presidential china pattern. Artifact Credit: U.S. Senate Collection

Robert Frost was the first poet to read his work at a presidential inaugural ceremony, but his performance didn't necessarily go as planned. Our special exhibit, "The Nation's Stage," displays the typed copy of his inaugural poem "The Dedication," but what poem did he actually recite during President John F. Kennedy's inauguration? Learn more about this moment in history through our special exhibit, "The Nation's Stage." https://lnkd.in/egG8BvhS Artifact Credit: Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington D.C.

Join Capitol Visitor Center Guides for the official Presidential Inauguration livestream at 8:55 am. #Inaugural60 https://lnkd.in/edfuGv3m

Every four years, the Architect of the Capitol constructs the platform used in presidential inaugurations. Learn from Architect of the Capitol Thomas E. Austin on how the platform was built for the 60th Presidential Inauguration and the ceremony commemorating the first nail to mark this historic event at the U.S. Capitol. https://lnkd.in/ebtnts5c

We’re hiring! Join our team at the Capitol Visitor Center by applying to one of our open positions listed below. Educational Program Manager Close date: 12/02/2024 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ekjDXH6q Education Specialist Close date: 12/05/2024 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eGA3ifBq Visitor Assistant (temporary) Close date: 12/17/2024 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eNVmMBiB

Capitol Visitor Center staff takes great care when selecting artifacts that convey the history of our nation. Listen as one of our Exhibits Curators explains the significance of The Great Seal medallion, currently on display in our special exhibit, “The Nation’s Stage.” See this piece of presidential inaugural history in Exhibition Hall, Monday—Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. https://lnkd.in/egG8BvhS

Craig Wingerson is a training specialist for the Capitol Visitor Center. Craig joined the Visitor Center team in 2021 after 21 years at the Walt Disney World Resort, in various staff learning and development capacities. This past August, Craig’s colleagues recognized his outstanding performance with the agency’s Employee of Excellence award. We spoke with Craig about his role at the CVC, and his interesting career journey.

Registration is now open for onsite student programs at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center! Programs are available on select Wednesdays and Thursdays from October through February. Each session includes an interactive program led by Capitol Visitor Center staff and a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Check out our offerings for elementary, middle, and high school students on our website: https://lnkd.in/ef2UUgkw

As the home of Congress, the Capitol is our nation’s stage. Here, the most important scenes of our collective life as citizens take place. It is where the civic traditions and ceremonies that affirm our democracy developed over time. The rituals that lend a sense of occasion, importance, and unity to our country today take place here. Our new special exhibit, The Nation’s Stage, explores the traditions surrounding events such as the opening of a new Congress, inauguration, joint sessions, and holidays. Original artifacts include Electoral College ballot boxes, tally sheets, speeches from John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, cartoonist Charles Schulz’s Congressional Gold Medal, and the china used at the 2009 inaugural luncheon. Now through 2025, Monday—Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. https://lnkd.in/egG8BvhS

Exhibition Hall is one of the hidden gems at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Our Exhibits Curator, Christine Blackerby, takes great care in creating museum exhibits that highlight the history of Congress and representative government. Learn more about her role, the current special exhibit, “Congressional Investigations,” and how it ties in with the 50th anniversary of Watergate.