Dedicated to educating the public on the history and heritage of the Capitol and Congress, the US Capitol Historical Society places special emphasis on making the past come alive for young DC citizens. Programs focus on landmark legislation that has shaped our nation, the remarkable art and architecture of the Capitol, and the cultural and ethnic diversity of Congress. The "We the People" Constitution Tour helps eighth-grade students understand their government and take pride in their city; Capitol Literacy activities, youth leadership forums, and traveling exhibits spark an early interest in government for elementary and secondary school students. The Society also works to make the Capitol's rich history more comprehensible to visitors from around the nation. Working closely with the National Archives, Congress, the Library of Congress, and others, the Society stands up for historical literacy. Let's stand with them.

COVID-19 Update: Already-planned events like the Annual Symposium moved to a virtual format. Some of this has involved a complete rethink--especially delivering its "We the People" program, which had been extremely dependent upon interaction with on-site staff resources at partner organizations. The positive side of this is that programming is more accessible than ever, and the Historical Society will be able to use new skills/partnerships/tools to continue serving the broader public even when it is able to resume in-person events.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide; Capitol Hill

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); All

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; ; All

Schools They Work In: We work with a variety of DC public and private schools.


  • Number of Students served:   1500
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   100

Awards & Recognition

National Humanities Medal - 2004

Best Practices and Exemplary Achievements in Not-For-Profit Financial Management - USCHS’s Vice President of Finance was one of the ten finalists - 2006

Our "We the People Constitution Program" was listed as an approved "Short Cycle Assessment" by the D.C. Public School Office of Social Studies in its 8th grade pacing guide - 2008

USCHS's exterior tour of the Capitol was named "Best Specialized Tour of 2009" by Washingtonian Magazine - 2009

Press

  • Center News
    Sun Jun 1 2014, Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest Newsletter  
    The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation is a sponsor of USCHS's We the People Program. See pages 4-5 to learn more about our partnership.
    connect here

  • Hidden Gems -- Tours
    Tue Feb 18 2014, Washingtonian Magazine  
    USCHS's exterior tour of the Capitol on Monday mornings offers a unique look at form, function and magnificent architecture.
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  • Getting to Know the Capitol
    Fri Dec 17 2010, Politico  
    Many know what goes on inside the Capitol, but they don't know the history of the building. The president of USCHS wants to change that.
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Budget (FY2013)

  • The current budget for United States Capitol Historical Society is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About the Catalogue for Philanthropy

Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.

The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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