Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58441
sion was the statement of purposes and objectives found in article three: —The purpose for which the corporation is formed, and the business and the objects to be carried on and promoted by it are to encourage in the most comprehensive and enlightened manner an understanding by the people of the founding, growth and significance of the Capitol of the United States of America as the tangible symbol of their representative form of government; to undertake research into the history of the Congress and the Capitol and to promote the discussion, publication and dissemina- tion of the results of such studies; to foster and increase an informed patriotism of the land in the study of this living memorial to the founders of this nation and the continu- ing thread of principles as exemplified by their successors. The last clause in this article was inspired by an episode in Representative Schwengel's life. As a schoolteacher in Kirksville, Missouri, he had been introduced to Harry Truman at a Masonic meeting. Informed that Brother Schwengel was a fellow Baptist and a history teacher, but also a Republican, Truman replied that although some might call him a "goddamned Republican," he shared an interest in history: "Young man, you've gotta know your history if you want to be a good citizen." Convinced that an appreciation of history was inextricably linked with good citizenship, Representative Schwengel believed that this new society could become a history teacher to the nation. The August 28th meeting also heard a report from the Plans and Program Committee presented by Dr. Howland. The primary goal, the report revealed, was the production of a historical guide- book to the Capitol that would follow the model of the recently-produced guide to the White House by the White House Historical Association. Howland's report estimated that the Society would need to raise $200,000 to finance publication of the book and to hire a small staff and set up offices. The report also suggested the possibilities of producing an educational film and contributing to the restora- tion and refurbishing of the Capitol. Officers were then elected: Representative Schwengel was elected president, and five vice presidents were elected, including Representative Marguerite Stitt Church, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and well-known historian and author Allan Nevins. The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Office of Superintendent of Corporations of the District of Columbia on August 8, and the seal was affixed to the document on October 3, 1962. The first meeting of the incorporators took place on the following day at which time a proposed constitu- tion, largely written by counsel Arthur Hanson, was adopted and the officers were again elected. The Internal Revenue Service ruled on October 17 granting the Society tax-exempt status as a nonprofit organization under section 50l(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Within the space of three months Fred Schwen- gel's dream of a historical society on Capitol Hill had become a reality. A small group of dedicated men and women had taken a concept and created an organization complete with a statement of purpose, a constitution and by laws, elected offi- cers, a program of publications, and a plan for a self-supporting financial base. Our social media outlets are celebrating USCHS' 50th anniversary with occasional Society-related facts and stories. Check us out on Twitter, Facebook, and our blog! Twitter: @CapitolHistory Facebook: Today In Capitol History and U.S. Capitol Historical Society History Blog: uschs.wordpress.com 4 THE CAPITOL DOME SPRING 2012