United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website

Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

Featured

Edition for Educators—The Grand Old Flag

by History on June 06, 2016

Edition for Educators—The Grand Old Flag

by History on June 06, 2016
A 1916 presidential proclamation first designated national Flag Day on June 14—the date the Continental Congress approved the design of the national flag in 1777. In 1949, the House and Senate passed a joint resolution declaring June 14 as Flag Day and authorizing the President to issue a proclamation that flags be displayed at government buildings and, further, that the President urge all citizens to observe the anniversary. This edition for educators is devoted to the American flag.
Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators – Take Me Out to the Ballgame

by History on June 25, 2019

Edition for Educators – Take Me Out to the Ballgame

by History on June 25, 2019
In 1909, a new Capitol Hill tradition took root at American League Park in Washington, DC.
Categories: Practice & Customs, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Picnic Edition

by History on May 26, 2017

Edition for Educators—Picnic Edition

by History on May 26, 2017
In the great tradition of summer picnics and cookouts, this edition for educators provides inspiration for your next al fresco outing complete with a touch of the House for your celebration.
Categories: Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Fun and Games

by History on June 23, 2015

Edition for Educators—Fun and Games

by History on June 23, 2015
This month's Edition for Educators highlights pastimes in the House of Representatives, from baseball to horseshoes.
Categories: Edition for Educators
Browse Recent Posts ~or~
Five Most Recent Blog Posts

The Pride of Pittsburgh: An Oral History Update with Representative Mike Doyle

by Oral History on June 9, 2026

In 2026, the Office of the House Historian published an interview with another Representative from Pennsylvania, Michael F. Doyle. In his interview, Doyle reflected on his childhood in western Pennsylvania and what led to his career in public service before focusing on his time in Congress and his legislative record.

More >
Categories: Members of Congress, Practice & Customs, Interviews, Announcements

76 Facts in Honor of 1776

by History on June 3, 2026

As part of a new America250 exhibit, the Office of the Historian has assembled 76 facts organized across a dozen categories about the Continental and Confederation Congresses and their Delegates. Each tidbit provides fascinating insight into life in Revolutionary-era America.

More >
Categories: Superlatives, America250, Announcements, Pre-Federal Congresses

Edition for Educators—Gifts to Congress

by History on May 28, 2026

This month’s Edition for Educators answers the question: what do you get for the legislative body that has everything? Explore a few select examples of art, curiosities, and other gifts that the U.S. House of Representatives has received either to commemorate its own history or on behalf of the United States of America.

More >
Categories: Practice & Customs, Art, Artifacts, Edition for Educators

The Continental Congress and the Problem of Prisoners

by History on May 21, 2026

On May 21, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to deal with an issue Delegates expected would soon be a problem. Although the colonies would not officially declare independence until July, Congress deemed it worthwhile to stipulate how the “Thirteen United Colonies” would handle British prisoners captured during what they anticipated would be a costly war.

More >
Categories: America250, War, Pre-Federal Congresses

Caucuses, Committees, and Congressman Tony Coelho: An Oral History Update

by Oral History on May 11, 2026

In a recently published oral history, Representative Tony Coelho reflected on the role caucuses and committees played throughout his steady rise to Majority Whip on Capitol Hill, enabling him to earn the trust of his colleagues and learn to operate the levers of political power.

More >
Categories: Members of Congress, Women & Minorities on the Hill, Superlatives, Interviews, Announcements
< Older Posts
Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov