United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
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Discover the rich heritage of “the People's House” and its central role in U.S. history since 1789. Explore its unique story and the men and women who have shaped it. Browse its collections. Access historical data and other research resources.

Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

April 12, 2024

Edition for Educators—Portraits in the House Collection

Painted portraits form the backbone of this collection and represent a long tradition of honoring notable figures in the House’s history. Hundreds of significant individuals—Speakers, committee chairs, and others—are represented in paintings dating back to the 1780s. This month’s Edition for Educators highlights these portraits in the House Collection and the stories surrounding their creation and acquisition.
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House History

Opening Day of the 65th Congress

This Hearst-Pathe News footage features the opening day of the 65th Congress (1917–1919) on April 2, 1917, as President Woodrow Wilson calls Congress into special session to ask for a declaration of war against Germany. Suffrage activists escort Representative-elect Jeannette Rankin of Montana from the Sewall-Belmont House to the nearby Capitol. Speaker of the House James Clark of Missouri and Minority Leader James Mann of Illinois pose outside the Capitol, as police corral pacifist protestors on the East Front.
Source: National Archives Records Administration
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About The Offices

This site is a collaborative project between the Office of the Historian and the Clerk of the House's Office of Art and Archives. The offices preserve, collect, and interpret the heritage of the U.S. House, serving as the institution’s memory and a resource for Members, staff, and the general public.

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Historical Highlight

A 1973 Protest by House Freshmen April 18, 1973

A 1973 Protest by House Freshmen

The House Recognition of Cuban Independence from Spain April 18, 1898

The House Recognition of Cuban Independence from Spain

Featured Collection Object

Featured Oral History

The Long Struggle for Representation: Oral Histories of African Americans in Congress

The Long Struggle for Representation: Oral Histories of African Americans in Congress

Featured Records

Central Hotel in Round Pond, Oklahoma Territory

Central Hotel in Round Pond, Oklahoma Territory

Lyndon Johnson’s Assumption<br /> of Office Address

Lyndon Johnson’s Assumption
of Office Address

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