For more than two centuries, the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
has served as the institution’s repository for its records and heritage. Resources
on this page include a collection of information on House artwork and material culture,
its history, traditions, personalities and precedents, and official records.
Browse Art & History
Art, Artifacts, & Architecture
Learn how enslaved African Americans helped build the Capitol, find the location
of Representative Abraham Lincoln’s desk during his tenure as a Member, take
a virtual tour of the House Chamber, and much more.
House History
Access historical lists of House leaders and officers, party divisions and session
dates as well as firsts, milestones, and feature pages on ceremonies and traditions
such as the Congressional Baseball Game.
Historical Biographical Information
Learn more about past U.S. Representatives by accessing biographical information;
through oral histories, explore the careers of the men and women who have helped
to shape the institution; discover the unique experiences of select groups in House
history by reading Member profiles in Women in Congress and Black Americans
in Congress; and more.
Weekly Historical Highlights
Read about House events that occurred this week in History. Search our archives
of more than 400 events, or explore them by date or subject. New highlights are
added each week.
Historical Resources