United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website
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 22, 2024

An Empire or a Gavel: Speaker Thomas Brackett Reed’s Opposition to the Spanish-American War

In late March 1898, Republican Speaker Thomas Brackett Reed of Maine found himself in an unfamiliar position. Known as “Czar Reed” for his iron-fisted control over the legislative process, Reed now struggled to maintain the direction of the House’s agenda as war loomed on the horizon.
More >

Oral History

"A Woman Who Was Willing to Talk about Women"

Gwendolyn Mink describes the importance of women in Congress.
More >

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.

Explore

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

Appeal for Anti-Lottery Legislation

Appeal for Anti-Lottery Legislation

Student Resolution for Prohibition

Student Resolution for Prohibition

Historical Highlight

The First Major NASA Appropriation for the "Moonshot Program" May 6, 1965

The First Major NASA Appropriation for the "Moonshot Program"

The House Club Sandwich Debate May 6, 1930

The House Club Sandwich Debate

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