Author and retired teacher Terry Lee Marzell stands in front of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
Most teachers would agree that travel is one of the best methods of experiential learning for our students. And one of the most educational destinations for travel is Washington, DC, our nation’s capital city. There are many great museums and historical sites to visit in the city, but one of the best is the US Capitol.
This iconic structure serves as a symbol for American government, a system of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The Capitol building has housed the meeting chambers of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for over two hundred years.
The design of the building is an excellent example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture. Design principals embodied in the structure stem from ancient Greece and Rome. The crowning architectural achievement of the building is its dome, constructed from nearly 9,000,000 pounds of ironwork bolted to together. The Capitol Dome just may be the most famous man-made landmark in America.
In addition to its use by Congress, the Capitol serves as a museum of American art and history. Statuary Hall is a chamber of the building devoted to statues of famous Americans. Some of the most interesting include Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks, Thomas Edison, Sacagawea, Will Rogers, Helen Keller, and King Kamehameha I of Hawaii.
Terry Lee Marzell enjoys a tour of the US Capitol conducted by an intern from the office of her Congressman, Gil Cisneros.
The best way for teachers and students to enjoy a public tour of the US Capitol is by making a reservation in advance. Although a limited number of same-day tickets are available, expect the lines to be long, especially in spring and summer. A tour can also be arranged through the office of your Congressman or state senator. The guided tour doesn’t include the Senate and House galleries. However, your Congressman can arrange a pass to these view these chambers when Congress is not in session. Best of all, tours of the US Capitol are free!
To learn more about the Capitol building, consult this link: About the US Capitol. To explore a virtual tour of the building, click on this link: US Capitol Virtual Tour.
Happy traveling!