U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

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.

Thanks to USA Today for featuring our colleague Joseph Atou in this important story. Joseph and his colleagues inform, involve and inspire visitors every day to the U.S. Capitol. https://lnkd.in/eDhcQn_d

Join Capitol Visitor Center educators on August 9th for a workshop on the Congressional power to investigate -- an important element of the constitutional system of checks and balances. This workshop considers the civic process and public impact of Congress’ investigatory powers. As part of the workshop, the Capitol Visitor Center Exhibits Curator will lead participants on a tour of our special exhibition, “Congressional Investigations,” which examines Congressional probes into the attack on Pearl Harbor, McCarthyism and Watergate. Register today at: https://lnkd.in/ebZbmGVv

The creation of our new interactive, 360 experience — Rotunda 360: Indigenous Peoples in Capitol Art —was supported with the help of Indigenous scholars and three Native Nations. Virtually step into the Rotunda to hear their stories and examine the depictions of different Indigenous people in Capitol art. https://lnkd.in/gCNNuDd7

Tune in to CSPAN2’s American History TV on Saturday, March 23 at 6:20 p.m. when Exhibits Curator Christine Blackerby showcases the Capitol Visitor Center’s special exhibit Congressional Investigations. https://lnkd.in/erC62Qdg Learn more about the exhibit at https://lnkd.in/e2iAY7yW

Coming to the Capitol? Join our staff as they walk you through what to expect during your visit. For more information or to book a tour, go to: https://lnkd.in/ejBXzt_d