Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/726123
48 THE CAPITOL DOME 2016 History Events D uring the first half of 2016, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society hosted numerous lectures and held its annual history symposium. Similar events will continue through the remainder of the year. In February, the annual Black History Month Lecture focused on black Members of Congress during the nine- teenth century, especially Sen. Blanche K. Bruce. Historian of the House of Representatives Matthew Wasniewski offered background information on nineteenth century black Members, eight of whom were born into slavery. Senate Historian Betty Koed detailed the life of Blanche K. Bruce, who was the first black senator to be elected to a full term and successfully built coalitions to support blacks after the Civil War, including through the use of patronage appointments. Finally, Senate Curator Melinda Smith spoke about artist Simmie Knox and the 2001 portrait he painted of Bruce; her discussion touched on the sources Knox relied on for the portrait, primarily a Matthew Brady image of Bruce. The Illinois State Society co-sponsored the event. Also in February, USCHS partnered with the Woolly Mammoth Theatre to offer a panel discussion as an enrich- ment event during the run of Guards at the Taj. Panelists Richard Chenoweth (architect, former Capitol Fellow, and author of the first article in this issue of the Dome), Steve Livengood (USCHS chief guide), and Jane Hudiburg (fre- quent Dome contributor) reflected on different themes of the play as they related to the Capitol in "The Price of Beauty: History and Legend in the Heart of the Capital." March brought several events tied to Women's History Month. First, author John Norris spoke with Don Ritchie, Senate historian emeritus, about his book, Mary McGrory: The First Queen of Journalism, which delved into McGrogry's career and life in Washington journalism, especially her columns focusing on Congress. She wrote about the Army- McCarthy hearings, won a Pulitzer for commentary for her Watergate coverage, and continued reporting and writing through the 1980s. The second event in March, a book talk with author Cindy Gueli, was postponed until May, when Gueli spoke about her book, Lipstick Brigade: The Untold True Story of Washington's World War II Government Girls. The talk included music, film, and images of women who came to Washington to work in military or civilian offices during the war and touched on many topics, from crowded housing and entertainment options to types of work and workplace conditions and segregation in DC. Mau van Duren visited USCHS in April to discuss his book, Many Heads and Many Hands: James Madison's Search An attendee at the Black History Month Lecture talks with Senate Historian Betty Koed, who spoke at and moderated the event. Author Cindy Gueli signed her book and spoke with attendees after her presentation. Mariela Olivares speaks during the annual symposium.