Preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial

Executive Summary

This report responds to the congressional directive to provide suggested plans for events and
installations that can be made available to the public who visit the Capitol complex during the
U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Report

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) will develop
public programming to mark the semiquincentennial. These efforts will follow the precedents
established with other commemorative events including the War of 1812 bicentennial, the 19th
Amendment centennial and the Olmsted 200 project. The AOC also will seek to amplify the
themes and ideas recommended by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

As part of these efforts, the founding period of our nation’s history will be emphasized on the
Capitol Tour. There are several items related to the American Revolution in the U.S. Capitol
Rotunda and the Capitol Crypt. The Capitol Crypt includes statues of five signers of the
Declaration of Independence, and three Continental Army generals. The Rotunda features the
“Declaration of Independence” painting as well as several other works of art dealing with
Founding Fathers and events during the American Revolution. National Statuary Hall, the Old
Senate Chamber and the Old Supreme Court Chamber also provide opportunities to discuss how
Congress debated and discussed the principles that guided the Founding Fathers.

Work will be done to link the themes of the founding of the United States of America to the
various specialty tours. This could be done, for example, by making the connection between the
themes of each tour and the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

An online, 360 experience focused on detailing the stories behind John Trumbull’s paintings in
the Rotunda will be produced. These paintings all focus on the Revolutionary War period. The
AOC will further look at the possibilities for other online programming to develop
semiquincentennial themes, including through the CVC’s Capitol Conversations program.

Education programs will highlight semiquincentennial themes. This will likely include one-day
special programs on significant anniversary dates on the road to independence as well as
adaptations of standing programs designed to highlight themes related to the founding of the
nation.

A special exhibit in the Exhibition Hall’s rotating gallery will focus on the legacy of 1776 in the
work of Congress will also be explored.

Should Congress wish to create a time capsule, the AOC will determine the proper location for

its burial on the Capitol complex as well as an appropriate receptacle to hold the items Congress
wishes to include in this project.

February 2023 Architect of the Capitol


Preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial

Introduction

This report is provided to the congressional appropriations committees, the Committee on House
Administration and the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration as directed on page 28 of
House Report 117-389 accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023:

Preparing for the United States Semiquincentennial: In 2026, the United States will be
celebrating its Semiquincentennial; marking 250 years since the nation was founded in 1776.
Over the course of that time, our nation has grown from the original 13 colonies to the
patchwork of 50 states and over 330 million individuals it is today. As we approach this historic
milestone, it is an opportunity to commemorate our past, honor our present, and look toward the
future. In preparation for this historic event, the Committee directs the AOC to submit a

report 120 days after the enactment of this legislation on how they plan to commemorate the
Semiquincentennial on the Capitol Complex. The report should include suggested plans ‘for
events and installations that can be made available to the public who visit. Along with that, the
report should include a section on the possibility of a Congressional Time Capsule being buried
somewhere on the Capitol Complex that will remain sealed until July 4th, 2276. This report shall
be delivered to the Committee on Appropriation as well as the Committee on House
Administration. This report should also be made available on the Architect of the Capitol's
website.

February 2023 Architect of the Capitol


Preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial

Conclusion

The AOC will work to ensure a broad range of public programming that commemorates the U.S.
Semiquincentennial. The CVC will follow the procedures used for other important historic
commemorations, tailoring its ongoing efforts to inform, involve and inspire every visitor to the
U.S. Capitol. Semiquincentennial themes and ideas will be incorporated as appropriate into tours,
education programs and online activities. Support will be provided to find an appropriate
receptacle and location for any time capsule Congress desires.

February 2023 Architect of the Capitol


i
Mm
FN Architect of the Capitol
eatin USS. Capitol, Room SB-16
atin, Washington, DC 20515
202.228.1793
ARCHITECT
orme CAPITOL WWW.0¢. gov

REPORT TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES

Preparations for the United States
Semiquincentennial

April 2023

House Report 117-389, Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, 2023 - Page 28


Preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial

Distribution

The Honorable Jack Reed
Chairman

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Deb Fischer
Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
Chairwoman

Committee on Rules and Administration
United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Deb Fischer

Ranking Member

Committee on Rules and Administration
United States Senate

Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mark Amodei
Chairman

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
Committee on Appropriations

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Adriano Espaillat
Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
Committee on Appropriations

U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Bryan Steil
Chairman

Committee on House Administration
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Joseph D. Morelle
Ranking Member

Committee on House Administration
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

This is a work of the U.S. government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. The published
product may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without further permission from the Architect of the Capitol
However, because this work may contain copyrighted images or other material, permission from the copyright holder
may be necessary if you wish to reproduce this material separately

February 2023 Architect of the Capitol


i
fn
i,
ciTiiitim,

ARCHITECT
oF THECAPITOL



Preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial

This report details the Architect of the Capitol’s plans for commemorating the U.S.
Semiquincentennial.

Sincerely,

Chere Rexroat, RA
Acting Architect of the Capitol