Private Tour of the Capitol Building
Greg and Yvette wanted to give Rich a special day for his birthday in 2025. They arranged for Carol and him to enjoy a private tour of the Capitol Building, led by Chuck Beck, a member of the United States Capitol Historical Society. Chuck began working at age 16 as a Congressional Page and has remained involved with the Capitol ever since. He provided access to fascinating areas and shared many captivating stories.
We began our tour at the Russell Senate Office Building. From there, we rode the open-car monorail to the Capitol and started our visit in the Visitor Center.
Chuck shared intriguing history about the Statue of Freedom, sculpted by Thomas Crawford of New York in 1863. Crawford originally submitted a design featuring the statue wearing a “Freedom Cap.” The committee suggested replacing it with an eagle (our nation's symbol). Since the artist had never seen an eagle, the one adorning the statue bears a striking resemblance to a rooster.
We toured the Rotunda, pausing at the “echo spots” where members of Congress could eavesdrop on their opponents.
We visited the original Supreme Court Chamber, which doubled as a church on weekends.
We stood at the “open tomb” of George Washington and rode the small elevator that was built for President William Howard Taft.
We entered the “Board of Education” room, a small meeting area tucked off one of the hallways. Around 1901, Speaker of the House Henry Rainey claimed the room, and it later became a retreat for House leaders. It earned the nickname “Board of Education” during Sam Rayburn’s legendary tenure as Speaker. He used it to gather allies, dispense bourbon, and quiz members on legislative strategy. It also was used to "educate" Freshmen members of congress on the Washingtion Way of doing things.
Chuck shared a story from his time as a page for Carl Sandburg during one of the poet’s visits to D.C. When Sandburg became cold, Chuck led him into the Board of Education room, which was outfitted with bourbon. Rich had the honor of sitting in the very chair Carl Sandburg once occupied.
We were able to go onto the floor of the House of Representatives and sit in the members’ chairs.
Rich purchased a flag that had flown over the Capitol Building from the Senate office supply store.
We ended our tour with a ride on the modern subway to the Dirksen Office Building and had lunch in the United States Senate Cafeteria.
We began our tour at the Russell Senate Office Building. From there, we rode the open-car monorail to the Capitol and started our visit in the Visitor Center.
Chuck shared intriguing history about the Statue of Freedom, sculpted by Thomas Crawford of New York in 1863. Crawford originally submitted a design featuring the statue wearing a “Freedom Cap.” The committee suggested replacing it with an eagle (our nation's symbol). Since the artist had never seen an eagle, the one adorning the statue bears a striking resemblance to a rooster.
We toured the Rotunda, pausing at the “echo spots” where members of Congress could eavesdrop on their opponents.
We visited the original Supreme Court Chamber, which doubled as a church on weekends.
We stood at the “open tomb” of George Washington and rode the small elevator that was built for President William Howard Taft.
We entered the “Board of Education” room, a small meeting area tucked off one of the hallways. Around 1901, Speaker of the House Henry Rainey claimed the room, and it later became a retreat for House leaders. It earned the nickname “Board of Education” during Sam Rayburn’s legendary tenure as Speaker. He used it to gather allies, dispense bourbon, and quiz members on legislative strategy. It also was used to "educate" Freshmen members of congress on the Washingtion Way of doing things.
Chuck shared a story from his time as a page for Carl Sandburg during one of the poet’s visits to D.C. When Sandburg became cold, Chuck led him into the Board of Education room, which was outfitted with bourbon. Rich had the honor of sitting in the very chair Carl Sandburg once occupied.
We were able to go onto the floor of the House of Representatives and sit in the members’ chairs.
Rich purchased a flag that had flown over the Capitol Building from the Senate office supply store.
We ended our tour with a ride on the modern subway to the Dirksen Office Building and had lunch in the United States Senate Cafeteria.