Speaker's Rooms in the Capitol
Historical Highlight
June 19, 1962
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Image courtesy of the Office of the Clerk, U.S House of Representatives
Today, the Speaker's Lobby is lined with portraits of the the individuals who have served as Speaker.
/tiles/non-collection/s/sr_introduction_speakers_room_stereoview_2007_267_000.xml
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
About this object
From 1857 to 1879, the Speaker occupied a room just across the hall from the House Chamber.
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Image courtesy of the Office of the Clerk, U.S House of Representatives
Space on the West Front, including this conference room, was first used by the Speaker in 1954.
The Speakership symbolizes the House of Representatives’ power
and authority. Across two centuries of American history, distinctive
personalities and events have shaped the physical surroundings and lore of the Speakers' rooms that reflect the stature of the office. Explore each one in this online exhibition.
Today, West Front spaces house the Speaker’s office. When
Congress first moved into the Capitol, however, the Speaker operated
from rooms much closer to the House Chamber. Initially they were next to
the old Hall of the House, and later just behind the current chamber's rostrum. 20th century changes in technology made it less urgent to be close to the chamber's action. Offices moved further from
the House floor. Many of the places that were vacated remain important spaces
in the Capitol, housing Members, artwork, and centuries of history.