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 109–120 of 389 results

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Edition for Educators—Firsts for Women in Congress

by History on March 30, 2015
Patsy Mink
In 1965, Patsy Mink became the first woman of color elected to Congress. An advocate for equal rights as well as many other women’s issues, one of her greatest accomplishments was the passage of the Women’s Education Equality Act, as part of a comprehensive education bill, in 1974. Learn more about Mink and other firsts for women in Congress.
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Categories: Members of Congress, Women & Minorities on the Hill, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Following the Rules

by History on November 27, 2018
The U.S. House of Representatives is governed by an ever-expanding matrix of rules and precedents, procedural compass points that have been accumulating every year since the very first Congress in 1789. The Constitution says little about the internal governing structure of the House other than that it “may determine the Rules of its Proceedings.” That vague allowance enables the House to create and maintain both its legislative processes and rules guiding the personal behavior of its Members.
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Categories: Practice & Customs, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Football

by History on September 18, 2019
It’s September, and football is back. On Capitol Hill that means Representatives make friendly wagers over big games, and recognizable all-stars occasionally find their way into campaign ads. This month’s Edition for Educators features football and the House.
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Categories: Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Fun and Games

by History on June 23, 2015
Nicholas Longworth
This month's Edition for Educators highlights pastimes in the House of Representatives, from baseball to horseshoes.
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Categories: Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Gaveling In

by History on April 20, 2015
Declaration of War Gavel
This month’s Edition for Educators focuses on an everyday tool with a rich tradition in the history of the House of Representatives: the gavel. Gavels have special significance in the House, where they have many purposes: as instruments of order and decorum, as symbols of power, and sometimes as souvenirs. Each, in its own right, could tell a unique tale. Following are a few examples.
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Categories: House Chamber, Practice & Customs, Artifacts, Edition for Educators

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—Hamilton and the House

by History on July 1, 2020
In honor of the television debut of one of history’s favorite Broadway stars, this Edition for Educators explores how the life of Alexander Hamilton, a Member of the Continental Congress, intersected with the early history of the House of Representatives.
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Categories: Edition for Educators, Pre-Federal Congresses

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

Edition for Educators—Hispanic Americans in Congress in their Own Words

by History on September 19, 2016
The history of Hispanic Members who served in Congress is one shaped by changes in American society and in the House. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to learn more about these Members in their own words.
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Categories: Women & Minorities on the Hill, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—Hispanic Heritage Month

by History on September 22, 2014
Romualdo Pacheco
Learn about the efforts and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans in Congress for Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Categories: Women & Minorities on the Hill, Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators—House Civics 101

by History on April 5, 2017
In America’s complicated, multidimensional system of government, the United States House of Representatives holds a unique set of powers. For clarity on its responsibilities we need to look no further than the Constitution.
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Categories: Edition for Educators

Edition for Educators — House History for Remote Learning

by Oral History on May 18, 2020
With schools closed amid the pandemic, the Offices of History, Art & Archives have put together lesson plans and resources to help everyone continue to learn about history of the House of Representatives and what role it plays in America’s unique system of government.
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Categories: Edition for Educators
Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov