United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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“The House of Representatives, in some respects, I think, is the most peculiar assemblage in the world,” Speaker Joe Cannon of Illinois once observed. Behind the legislation and procedure, House Members and staff have produced their own institutional history and heritage. Our blog, Whereas: Stories from the People’s House, tells their stories.

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Displaying 1–12 of 12 results

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Edition for Educators — House Members With Military Service

by History on November 8, 2019
This Edition for Educators focuses on some of the House Members who served in the United States military before turning their careers to serving in Congress.
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Categories: Members of Congress, Women & Minorities on the Hill, Holidays, Interviews, Edition for Educators

The Haunting of Capitol Hill's House, Debunked

by History on October 29, 2019
“Sometimes you sit here and think you hear the funniest things a’ going on,” the infamous House Doorkeeper William “Fishbait” Miller once told an interviewer, Miller’s broad smile casting doubt on whether he actually believed what he said. “Wonder, if those sounds I keep a‘hearin’ are chicken ghosts?”
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Categories: Capitol Campus, Holidays

Edition for Educators—Halloween

by History on October 31, 2016
In the mood for some spooky Halloween yarns? The House has its own share of tricks and treats.
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Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—The Grand Old Flag

by History on June 6, 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.
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Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators – Thanksgiving Holiday

by History on November 23, 2015
Ready for some turkey and taters? Thanksgiving Day has officially been around as long as the House of Representatives, and it’s seen some congressional attention since it was first declared more than 200 years ago.
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Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators

The Man in Black’s Tribute to the Ragged Old Flag

by History on June 12, 2015
On June 14, 1977, the Man in Black strode into the House Chamber as if it were the stage of a country music hall. But music legend Johnny Cash wasn't about to belt out tunes for any ordinary concert. Rather, Cash delivered a moving poem to celebrate the bicentennial of the U.S. flag.
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Categories: House Chamber, Practice & Customs, Holidays

No Going Home for the Holidays

by History on November 26, 2014
Representative Ralph Church
We’ve all been a part of those Thanksgiving dinners where nobody got along. On Thanksgiving Day, 1937, the House was no exception.
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Categories: Practice & Customs, Holidays

Edition for Educators—Veterans and Congress

by History on November 10, 2014
Speaker Sam Rayburn with War Veterans
This month's Edition for Educators focuses on the relationship between Congress and the men and women who have fought for the United States at home and abroad.
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Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators, War

“Issue the Order, Sir, and I’ll Storm Hell!”

by History on October 31, 2014
Anthony Wayne
On July 4, 1809, an unusual reburial ceremony took place at the Wayne family burial grounds in Radnor, Pennsylvania. For 12 years, the remains of “Mad” Anthony Wayne, the Revolutionary War hero and former congressman, had rested 400 miles away on the shores of Lake Erie. But on that early summer day, Mad Anthony’s remains were going home—well, most of them were going home.
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Categories: Members of Congress, Holidays

Edition for Educators – Happy Holidays!

by History on December 20, 2013
The Holidays are a time for family and traditions. In the House of Representatives, Decembers have included celebrations surrounding the Capitol Christmas Tree mixed with hectic legislative sessions to conclude business so Members could return to their families.
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Categories: Holidays, Edition for Educators

Poinsett’s Popular Poinsettia

by History on December 12, 2013
Sure, he was a Representative from South Carolina, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, and a Secretary of War. But what is Representative Joel Roberts Poinsett really famous for? This time of year, the answer might be found in a nearby display of holiday decorations.
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Categories: Members of Congress, Holidays

Good Vibrations: In Defense of the Beach Boys

by History on June 27, 2013

Fireworks over the National Mall
The nation’s birthday is an event that annually unites Americans from all walks of life. But when a Cabinet Secretary tried to ban one of the most beloved rock groups of all time from playing a July Fourth concert on the National Mall in 1983, Members of the people’s House mounted a vigorous—and humorous—defense of the Beach Boys’ right to perform.

 

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