This Thanksgiving, we at the U.S. Capitol Historical Society want to thank each of our supporters for helping make the mission of our work possible. We believe strongly that a nation that understands its history, and respects its institutions, promotes a healthy democracy and a strong United States of America. Whether you are a partner to the Society, attend our webinars, contribute to our organization, shop our catalogue, or help us in other ways, we greatly appreciate having you as a supporter and wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings!
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Video Available!
The True Story of the Pilgrims, Wampanoag Indians, and the "First Thanksgiving"
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In advance of Thanksgiving and the holiday season, watch our webinar with George Washington University Professor David J. Silverman, the author of one of the most highly cited books on U.S. history: "This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving"
The mythology of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving continues to be taught in schools and passed down from one generation to the next. But why do some Native people currently hold a Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving? How did the Pilgrims' voyage to the "New World" become a prominent American origin story? When did the United States first celebrate Thanksgiving and how? And should Americans rethink their interpretation of the holiday?
Our webinar with Prof. Silverman sheds important light on fact vs. fiction as well as the complex relationship between the Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims, their declared friendship, and the commitment to mutual defense that became a war just one generation after the "First Thanksgiving."
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Video Available!
George Washington's Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a
Capital City and a Nation
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Watch our latest webinar, with historian Robert P. Watson, who discusses his latest book: "George Washington's Final Battle." Washington is remembered for leading the Continental Army to victory, presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and forging a new nation. But few know his crucial role in creating our capital city and how it nearly tore the nation apart. In "George Washington's Final Battle," Watson brings this tale to life, discussing Washington's backroom deals that built a Romanesque capital larger than London and Paris, the debate over the city's use of slave labor, the "Room Where it Happens" dinner party that brought the capital to the South, and the symbolism behind the design of the White House and the location of the U.S. Capitol.
For his efforts, Washington created a landmark, and one last time, gave credibility to our fledgling democracy, uniting a fractious country, and creating a sense of American identity.
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Announcement: The U.S. Capitol Historical Society has officially launched our "January 6 Oral History Project" |
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is part of a coalition of D.C.-based, national organizations that came together following the horrific events on January 6. We strongly believe that without an exhaustive study of what happened, the United States will be unable to prevent such an attack from again taking place. Unfortunately, today’s polarized political climate has made examining that fateful day nearly impossible. In response, the coalition asked the Society if we would conduct a large-scale oral history project to ensure that the facts of January 6 are not lost to time. We strongly agreed to, believing this project aligns with the mission of our organization and the best interests of the country we love.
We are not part of any investigative committee. We are a nonpartisan organization that is funded through private donations. We simply want to preserve these personal statements, photos, and videos for future generations of American citizens, scholars, and patriots.
That is why we encourage our supporters to visit our project's new website at January6History.org to learn more. We also hope that you will consider telling your story or contributing financial support for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's "January 6 Oral History Project."
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Outside Tours of the
U.S. Capitol Are Back!
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For the first time in more than a year, join USCHS staff and trained volunteers for a walking tour of the Capitol Grounds focusing on (1) the Capitol as the “Temple of Democracy” or (2) Frederick Law Olmsted’s stunning landscape design.
Available by reservation on weeknights at 7:00pm until September 30th, the tours cost $30 per adult, $15 per youth ages 10-17, and are free for children ages 0-9. To learn more and book your tour, visit https://uschs.org/engage/tours-speakers-bureau/.
USCHS members receive one complementary tour per year; to book your member tour contact Tours@USCHS.org.
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Member Support
Makes it Possible!
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