On July 5, 2007, work began to erect the scaffolding necessary for conservators to reach the bronze Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol dome. The conservation work will begin on July 16 and will take about two weeks as long as the weather cooperates. Touch-up painting on the pedestal may be needed. The scaffold is expected to be taken down in early August.

This work is follow-up maintenance to the major conservation performed in 1993. Since then the statue has been washed and waxed in 1995, 1997, 2000, and 2002. The specially designed scaffolding is stored at the top of the dome when not in use. The bronze is protected from corrosion with a coating of a special lacquer, which needs to be renewed periodically. The statue will first be thoroughly cleaned with water and a mild detergent, and the entire surface will be inspected outside and inside. The caulk between the sections of the bronze will be replaced and the statue will be checked to make sure water cannot get in. The lightning points, several of which are usually found to be dulled by lightning strikes, will be removed and sharpened as needed. The cast-iron pedestal will also be inspected and the coating touched up where needed.

Further information about the Statue of Freedom is available.