Thank You for Making 2024 a Remarkable Year! | |
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As we close out another great year, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) extends our heartfelt thanks for being an essential part of our community. Your enthusiasm for history and support for our mission has made 2024 a year to remember.
Thanks to our donors' generous support, we were able to provide impactful programs that inspire civic engagement and connect people with the history of American democracy. To ensure everyone understands the legislative process and Congress's vital role in a healthy democracy, we remain committed to empowering the next generation to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions.
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This holiday season, we reflect on the milestones we've achieved together, from engaging events to scholarly programs that explored how democracy has evolves within the Capitol's walls.
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In May, USCHS hosted the 2024 Native American Suffrage Symposium, highlighting critical issues of citizenship, sovereignty, and suffrage.
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In February, we honored 36th House Clerk Cheryl Johnson with the 2023 Freedom Award for her exceptional leadership and pivotal role in preserving and commitment to upholding the American democratic process.
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In December, we recognized Representatives Derek Kilmer and William Timmons with the 2024 Freedom Award for their bipartisan leadership and efforts to modernize Congress.
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Our webinar series brought history to life with impactful topics such as The Evolution of Voting Rights, When Women Won the Right to Vote, and Founding Partisans: The Birth of American Politics.
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Expanding Access to Civic Education | |
In 2024, we focused on improving civic engagement by providing transformative learning opportunities for students and teachers:
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During the 2023–2024 school year, our We the People Constitution Tours™ provided tours to 1,054 students from 12 Title I schools, including transportation, lunches, and tour guides, enabling hands-on learning experiences at the heart of American democracy.
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The 2024 Three Branches Teacher Institute virtually served 261 teachers from 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, reaching approximately 286,000 students. Hosted with the White House Historical Association and the Supreme Court Historical Society, this program provided educators with high-quality virtual resources from our Capitol Civics Hub to apply in their classrooms. 100% of participants said they would recommend it to their colleagues.
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In November, during the 104th National Council for Social Studies Conference in Boston, USCHS staff promoted our We the People Hub by presenting lesson plans, primary sources, and educational initiatives to educators across the country.
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Innovative Civics Workshops | |
With support from the National Archive's National Historical Publications and Research Commission, USCHS led civic education workshops that provided educators with lesson plans, primary resources, and immersive learning experiences.
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In February, we partnered with the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, OH, to host a workshop for 24 teachers from 12 states. The program explored the 1876 presidential election and Congress's role in the Electoral College.
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In September, we collaborated with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, for a workshop that brought together 23 educators from 13 states and the Northern Mariana Islands. Participants explored Senate rules, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the 1908 Springfield race riots.
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Support Civic Education Before 2024 Ends! | |
If you’ve enjoyed our programming this year but haven’t yet made a tax-deductible donation in 2024, now is the perfect time! With just a few weeks remaining in the year, your support will sustain the Society’s vital civic education and public history programs in 2025.
Join our community of passionate supporters by making a gift today. Your gift will help us continue empowering educators, students, and the public with the tools to better understand and participate in American democracy.
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Mail a check to:
U.S. Capitol Historical Society
200 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan educational organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID #: 52-0796820
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Our members empower us to inspire, educate, and engage people with the story of American democracy. In 2025, we look forward to advancing our mission "to foster and increase an informed patriotism" through impactful programs:
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We are thrilled to continue We the People Tours, this year, we're introducing students to The People's House—a new interactive White House Historical Association exhibit—featuring a replica of the Oval Office and engaging storytelling.
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Building on this year's success, we'll continue providing teachers with free tools through our Capitol Civics Workshops and incorporating theater, the arts, and primary resources into dynamic classroom lessons.
- Our webinar series returns with discussions on the history of Congress, key moments in democracy, and a special Women's History Month session. We'll also conclude our Constitutional Amendments Series with the 27th Amendment, highlighting the importance of an amendable Constitution.
- Host a symposium on Latin Americans in Congress, exploring their contributions to legislation and representation in American democracy.
- Support USCHS research fellows as they study depictions of Native American women and representations of Christopher Columbus in the U.S. Capitol, uncovering how these narratives shape national identity.
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Happy Holidays and
Happy New Year!
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Thank You for Making History with Us | |
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From all of us at the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year filled with hope, happiness, and history!
We are so grateful for your support, which ensures that our programs remain accessible and impactful. Together, we can continue to inspire future generations and prioritize civic education in the year ahead.
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