The Capitol Dome

51 THE CAPITOL DOME Showcase Honors Congress for its Support of the Humanities O n 12 September 2017, following the presentation of the USCHS Freedom Award, the Society honored Congress for its support of the humanities with a showcase of programs from across the country that receive funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. e programs educate the public about Congress, informed civic participation and American history. ough the programs' missions vary from preserving heritage arts to educating current and future generations, all share a commitment to preserving and enriching American culture. Democrats and Republicans from the House and Sen- ate worked together to showcase these important programs. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Barbara Comstock, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, and Rep. Chellie Pingree proudly intro- duced programs from the states they represent. The evening featured Lin-Manuel Miranda and was moderated by play wright and broadcaster Murray Hor witz. Bipartisan Appreciation of The American Spirit in the Halls of Congress O n 8 November 2017, the U. S. Capitol Historical Society completed its project to deliver of a copy of David McCullough's book of speeches, e American Spirit, to every Member of Congress. e New York Times best seller concludes with McCullough's acceptance remarks on receiving the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's Freedom Award in 2016. Sens. Roy Blunt and Bob Casey, who are members of the USCHS Board of Trustees, joined Donald Carlson, USCHS board chair, and the Hon. Ron Sarasin, USCHS president, aer they delivered the book to Sens. Chris Coons and Susan Collins. "I am thrilled about this wonderful event of every Member of Congress getting a copy of my book," commented McCullough. "It means worlds to me." McCullough remarked, "I hope that what will be found in the book that I've written and from the talks I have given is that words matter and that history matters and the knowl- edge of who we are and where we have come from and what we have achieved through suffering and hard work and faith in what we stand for, matters. How that is achieved is what we all too oen have taken for granted. To be ignorant of history is to show gross ingratitude." Each book contains a bookplate with this inscription: "This book is presented to all Members of Congress in appreciation for your leadership and service to our country. is gi was made possible by a donation from Simon & Schuster in honor of David McCullough with this dedica- tion: 'It is a rare opportunity to put the chief cause of one of our most beloved, respected historians directly in the hands of people who can enact change and help close the gap to common ground.'" USCHS volunteer Valerie Crotty and her friends affixed the bookplates to more than 500 books before volunteer Chuck Beck delivered a book to every Member of Congress. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry introduces e Center for Digital Research in the Humanities. Rep. Barbara Comstock introduces e Journey rough Hallowed Ground Partnership. Rep. Chellie Pingree intro- duces PRIME TIME reading programs. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand introduces Aquila eater: Our Warrior Chorus. From le, Don Carlson with Sens. Collins, Coons, and Blunt, Pres. Sarasin, and Sen. Casey USCHS Board Member Rep. John Larson (le) with USCHS volunteer Chuck Beck BRUCE GUTHRIE BRUCE GUTHRIE BRUCE GUTHRIE BRUCE GUTHRIE BRUCE GUTHRIE

• Cover