Exhibition Hall Talks

If Documents and Objects Could Talk

Weekdays at Noon
 
As witnesses of the past, historic documents and objects have the capacity to unveil fascinating details about our country’s history. Join curators, historians and educators from the Capitol, National Archives and Library of Congress as they reveal stories about Congress and the Capitol through documents and objects on display in Exhibition Hall. Talks are 15 minutes. Meet at the entrance to the Exhibition Hall on the lower level. No reservations or passes required.

Wednesday, March 3
Anna Franz, Director of Planning and Project Management, Architect of the Capitol, and Michelle Kayon, Deputy Director, Project Management Division, Architect of the Capitol, talk about the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the reasons this Act was established, and its impact on our country and lifestyles.

Thursday, March 4
Charles Flanagan, Director of Outreach, Center for Legislative Archives, National Archives, reveals forgotten treasures found in a trunk owned by Speaker of the House, Joseph Cannon.

Wednesday, March 17
Tom Fontana, Marketing and Communications Director, Capitol Visitor Center, explains the evolution of the Capitol over time.

Wednesday, March 24
Rob Lukens, Director, Exhibits and Education, Capitol Visitor Center, explores details about the Columbian Exposition of 1893.

Thursday, March 25
Terrie Rouse, Chief Executive Officer, Capitol Visitor Center, explores a menu of artifacts that speak volumes about Congress and our country’s history.

Wednesday, March 31
Pete Kushner, General Counsel, Architect of the Capitol (USNA ‘74), addresses the role service academies play in providing for the common defense.

Wednesday, April 1
Donald Ritchie, Historian of the U.S. Senate, talks about the creation of the press galleries and the different media coverage of Congress over time.

Wednesday, April 14
Richard Hunt, Director, Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives, presents a discussion titled, "Democracy Talks: Communication in a Democratic Republic.”

Wednesday, April 21
Betty Koed, Associate Historian of the U.S. Senate, takes a look at citizens petitioning Congress and the congressional response to the fight for female suffrage in America.

Wednesday, April 28
Alexa Potter from the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress will speak on
"Women at War: The Women's Army Corps During WWII.