Primary Sources

Known for being the home of our nation’s legislative branch, the U.S. Capitol is the place where lawmakers come together to make pivotal decisions for our country.  It is a working office building as well as a tourist attraction visited by millions every year.

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to this historic complex. At nearly 580,000 square feet, the Visitor Center is the largest project in the Capitol’s more than two-century history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself.

In addition to being a place of work for Senators and Representatives from every state, the Capitol also houses an important collection of American art, and it is an architectural achievement in its own right.

Ms. Sharon Gang, spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center will be available for interviews to discuss:

• The impressive – and ever evolving – history and architecture of the Capitol – such as that the  Capitol served as a hospital during the Civil War, and that despite the on-going war, President Lincoln insisted on the continuing construction.
• The Visitor Center’s newly opened exhibition of Civil War-related documents and artifacts.   Marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the items on exhibition are the DC Emancipation Act that ended slavery in the District of Columbia nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.  The legislation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on April 16th, 1862 freed nearly 3,000 people. Another item that will be on display is a marriage certificate from former slaves John and Emily Pointer.  Both items are on loan from the National Archives.
• A new student self-guide of the Capitol Visitor Center’s Exhibition Hall and the Capitol Grounds that includes historical background, activities, and questions to encourage discussion during the tour or for follow-up at school or at home
• What to keep in mind when visiting the meeting place of the legislative branch  — such as what to bring, what to leave at home, and important logistical information to keep in mind when visiting the Center.

The new exhibition of Civil War-related documents and artifacts will be on display through September 2012.  Exhibition Hall is located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. No passes are required to enter the Visitor Center or Exhibition Hall.

Guests can prepare for their trip to the U.S. Capitol by visiting the Capitol Visitor Center’s website,www.visitthecapitol.gov, where they can make an advance reservation to tour the U.S. Capitol. A special tour focused on the Capitol and Congress during the Civil War is offered Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m. and does not require reservations.

The Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day.