Summary of Project

First, I would like to thank the Gould Center for Humanistic Studies for sponsoring the Gould Passion Project Program and giving me the opportunity to explore the history and significance of the US Capitol. I am proud to be part of the Gould Passion Project Program, and I am so excited to share my findings with the world. 

My Gould Passion project seeks to share the unique stories and significance of the US Capitol Building. As a government and history dual-major who interned in the House of Representatives during the fall semester, I have always had a passion for American government and history. I would love to explore my passion further and share it with a wider audience. I plan on researching the history and architecture of five of the most significant rooms of the Capitol: the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Old Senate Chamber, and the current House Chamber. For each of these rooms, I will research the history of construction, its unique architectural features, any changes in use, famous events and decisions that happened in that particular room, and what each room says about our country. I will also gather anecdotes from current and former Members of Congress and other influential figures about what all of these rooms mean to them and what they indicate about the future of our country. The output of my passion project will be five long-form blog posts that share my research findings in a widely accessible manner so that anyone can learn more about their building. Currently, no one besides staffers and Members of Congress can enter and visit the US Capitol building, and I hope that my passion project can fill some of that void. 

 

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