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Dear Friends and Supporters of the Society,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the dedicated Staff, and Volunteers at the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, we extend our warmest wishes for a cheerful and joyful holiday season! Your support has made 2023 extraordinary, and we're grateful for your generosity and participation. As we approach the new year, let's reflect on the incredible moments we've shared throughout the year.
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Highlighting Some of Our Most Memorable Moments of 2023 | | |
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After a more than two-year hiatus, we resumed our in-person ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour™, which takes D.C. middle school students to historical sites every school year. During the 2022-2023 tour season, we provided tours to 1,331 D.C. middle school students and 220 accompanying teachers. The students enjoyed a hands-on learning experience by visiting the George Mason Memorial, the Supreme Court, the White House Visitor Center, the National Archives, and the Capitol Building. | |
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This year, the Society gained exceptional new team members: Eric Denyer joined as our new Education Specialist, and Janna Deitz, Ph.D., as our Senior Advisor and Project Director, whose expertise will help expand our civic education programs and partnerships with congressional institutes and centers across the country. These efforts mark a significant next step into the digital era as we work to enhance public access to online civic education resources through our We the People Constitution Hub. We are excited about the opportunity to inspire a deeper civic awareness of Congress and its pivotal role in shaping the nation's history.
We also welcomed Kelly Ryan, our Communications Associate, and Janae Henry, our new Senior Manager of eCommerce & Marketing, to our growing team.
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In 2023, our webinars and public history events continued to gain popularity and outreach. Our guest speakers for these events included Members of Congress, award-winning authors, and scholars who contributed to a wide range of engaging discussions about U.S. history. In March, we celebrated the exceptional Women of Statuary Hall during Women's History Month, and in September, we hosted a special reception to honor the 118th Congress. These achievements reflect our commitment to providing engaging and informative historical programming to a growing audience. | |
Our top webinars from this year for you to enjoy: | |
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When Washington Burned
The Society was honored to host a Book Talk with author and historian Dr. Robert Watson, who shared insights from his new book about August 24, 1814, when the British burned down the Capitol.
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Welcoming Reception to Honor the 118th Congress | |
During this bipartisan event, Senator Chuck Grassley and Representative Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving Members of the 118th Congress, shared their insights on creating a legacy in Congress. Freshman Class Presidents Robert Garcia and Russell Fry also contributed to the discussion with insightful questions. The event highlighted a shared commitment to serving the American people that transcends party lines. | |
Celebrating the Women of the National Statuary Hall | |
On March 29, 2023, the Society hosted a program to honor the statues of women in the Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection. Dr. Michele Cohen, the Curator of the Architect of the Capitol, presented the history of women's representation in the Capitol. The event featured guest speakers such as Senator Cynthia Lummis, Representatives Dina Titus, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, and Laurel Lee. Senator Amy Klobuchar also shared her remarks via video. Together, they provided insights into the growth of women's representation in the collection and in Congress.
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Looking Ahead to 2024
USCHS members can look forward to another year filled with opportunities to enjoy Capitol tours, receptions, and other memorable events in the Capitol. We have some exciting events planned for 2024, including a special event in March to honor the Women in Government Finance and a symposium in the summer commemorating the 100th anniversary of the American Indian Citizenship Act. In the spirit of the season, we look forward to the promise of a new year where we can continue our shared mission of fostering a deep appreciation for the history and significance of the U.S. Capitol.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a
Happy New Year!
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Your support makes all of these programs possible, and we are grateful for your commitment to our shared mission. With your support, we can continue to showcase the history of American democracy, celebrate the iconic U.S. Capitol building, and honor the invaluable contributions of all those who dedicate themselves to this noble institution. | |
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Or Mail a check payable to:
U.S. Capitol Historical Society
200 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Want Your Donation to Count Toward the 2023 Tax Year?
To make sure your donation is processed on time, we recommend making an online donation before midnight on 12/31/23. You'll receive an automatic, timestamped email confirmation.
If you choose to donate by check:
- Ensure the envelope is postmarked on or before 12/31/23.
- Date your check on or before 12/31/23.
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Here are the civic education programs that will benefit directly from your generosity:
We the People Constitution Tour: This free educational tour takes D.C. students in historically underserved communities to historical sites in Washington, D.C., to learn about the first three articles of the Constitution.
The We the People Hub: A digital collection of resources for teachers that offer a deeper understanding of civic rights and responsibilities.
Teaching the Constitution Through Theater: We collaborate with StoryWorks Theater, playwrights, educators, and historians to produce plays about the Constitution that offer a unique opportunity for students to learn about history through theater.
"Capitol Kids!" Webinar Series: This series brings authors to middle school classrooms nationwide to discuss American history in a fun way and inspire democratic participation.
Three Branches Institute: A free three-day virtual professional development workshop empowering teachers nationwide with educational resources and new teaching strategies.
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As the year draws to a close, we would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the memory of Ronald A. Sarasin, the Society's former President/CEO. Ron passed away in late March this year after a long illness, surrounded by his loved ones. We continue to be deeply inspired by the remarkable legacy he left behind. To learn more about Ron's life and accomplishments, please visit the Society's tribute page. | |
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In Memory of Jim A. Morrill
In a touching gesture, the Morrill family and their friends generously donated to USCHS in memory of our dedicated volunteer, Jim Morrill. Their contributions cover the out-of-pocket expenses for three classrooms to participate in our We the People Constitution Tour. This year, those students get to learn about the Constitution, all in honor of Jim's lasting legacy. You can read Jim's obituary on the Society's website.
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About Us:
Founded in 1962, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society has proudly worked to preserve and share the history of the Capitol, the Congress, and the people who work therein. As a nonpartisan, educational 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Society was chartered by Congress in 1978, in part “to foster and increase an informed patriotism.” In service of this mission, the Society conducts historical tours of the Capitol Building, hosts both virtual and in-person public history programming, publishes scholarly research in various aspects of Capitol History, coordinates a digital civics education resource hub for teachers, manages a renowned civics education field trip program for Title I D.C. public school students, and commissions works of fine art for the Capitol collections.
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U.S. Capitol Historical Society | CapitolHistory.org | (202) 543-8919
U.S. Capitol Historical Society
200 Maryland Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
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