Statuary Hall has been used as the setting for a variety of events, including memorial ceremonies and receptions for new Members of Congress, award presentations, and as media space after presidential addresses. This report identifies and categorizes uses of Statuary Hall since 2005.
Use of Statuary Hall is at the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Under House Rule I, clause 3, the Speaker has the authority to assign unappropriated rooms on the House of Representatives side of the Capitol, including Statuary Hall. Use of Statuary Hall could also be authorized by House resolution, but no events since 2005 have been held in Statuary Hall on such authority.
Since 2005, 136 events have been held in Statuary Hall. Events held in Statuary Hall can be divided into four categories: (1) receptions and dinners, (2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The report provides a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities in each category.
Between 1819 and 1857, the room currently called Statuary Hall served as the Hall of the House of Representatives.1 Upon the completion of the current House chamber in 1857, the fate of the old "Hall of the House" was debated for many years.
Perhaps the simplest was that it be converted into additional space for the Library of Congress, which was still housed in the Capitol. More drastic was the suggestion that the entire Hall be dismantled and replaced by two floors of committee rooms. Eventually, the idea of using the chamber as an art gallery was approved, and works intended for the Capitol extensions were put on exhibit; among these was the plaster model for the Statue of Freedom, which was later cast in bronze for the Capitol dome. The lack of wall space effectively prevented the hanging of large paintings, but the room seemed well suited to the display of statuary.2
Beginning in November 1879, Statuary Hall was first used for events. The first two events were a reception and dinner for the Society of the Army of the Cumberland on November 20, 1879,3 and a ceremony to close the Centennial Safe on November 22, 1879.4
Today, Statuary Hall is the home to many of the statues in the National Statuary Hall collection, which consists of two statues from each state.5
A room in the House Wing of the Capitol may be reserved in one of two ways: through a chamber resolution or pursuant to the Speaker's authority. House Rule I, clause 3 provides the Speaker with the authority to assign unappropriated rooms (i.e., not already assigned to a committee, House leadership, or an officer of the House). House Rule I, clause 3 states
Except as otherwise provided by rule or law, the Speaker shall have general control of the Hall of the House, the corridors and passages in the part of the Capitol assigned to the use of the House, and the disposal of unappropriated rooms in that part of the Capitol.6
For rooms jointly controlled by the House and Senate (e.g., the Rotunda and Emancipation Hall), a concurrent resolution is generally required to authorize use.7
Initially adopted in 1811 to provide the Speaker with approval authority over events in the House chamber,8 clause 3 was last amended in 1911, to provide the Speaker with control over unappropriated rooms elsewhere in the House Wing of the Capitol.9 Since 1911, the Speaker has generally authorized use of rooms in the House Wing of the Capitol not otherwise appropriated.10
Since 2005, 136 events have been held in Statuary Hall. The House Sergeant at Arms, whose office provided data for this report, defines an event as activity that prevents public access to Statuary Hall for a period of time. As a result, activities such as a brief wreath laying at a particular statue are not included. Table 1 reports the total number of events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. The Appendix provides the date of each event and a brief description.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2005 |
16 |
|
2006 |
15 |
|
2007 |
16 |
|
2008 |
18 |
|
2009 |
10 |
|
2010 |
15 |
|
2011 |
12 |
|
2012 |
9 |
|
2013 |
14 |
|
2014 |
9 |
|
2015 |
2 |
|
Total |
136 |
Source: CRS Analysis of Sergeant At Arms data.
Notes: 2015 data includes events through March 4, 2015.
Following receipt of the data from the House Sergeant at Arms, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) examined the events and divided them into four categories: (1) receptions and dinners, (2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The following sections provide a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities. Table 2 reports the number of events since 2005, by category.
The largest percentage of events held in Statuary Hall (60.3%) were receptions or dinners, hosted by both official congressional entities and private groups. For example, the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies held the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall in 2005, 2009, and 2013; and the Capitol Historical Society held a reception for new Members of Congress in the Hall in 2005 and 2013.
Ceremonies account for 29.4% of the events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. These ceremonies include presentations of awards, unveiling of official portraits, commemorations of event anniversaries, formal wreath layings, and prayer services. For example, the annual National Moment of Remembrance is held in Statuary Hall. In addition, prior to moving the statue to Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center, an annual lei draping ceremony at King Kamehameha statue was held in Statuary Hall.
Statuary Hall has also been occasionally used as the location for media availability, primarily after a presidential address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber. Media events represent 5.1% of the events held in Statuary Hall.
Since 2005, seven memorial services (5.1%) for current or former Members of Congress have been held in Statuary Hall: for Representatives Robert Matsui (January 5, 2005); Juanita Millender-McDonald (May 17, 2007); Tom Lantos (February 14, 2008); Stephanie Tubbs Jones (September 10, 2008); John P. Murtha (March 30, 2010); Donald M. Payne (April 25, 2012); and Speaker Thomas Foley (October 29, 2013).
|
Category |
Number |
Percentage of Total |
|
Receptions / Dinners |
82 |
60.3 |
|
Ceremonies |
40 |
29.4 |
|
Media Events |
7 |
5.1 |
|
Memorial Services |
7 |
5.1 |
|
Total |
136 |
99.9 a |
Since January 1, 2005, 136 events have been held in Statuary Hall. Table A-1 contains a chronological list of these events, the date of the event, and the event type.
|
Date |
Event |
Type |
|
1/5/2005 |
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Robert Matsui |
Memorial Service |
|
1/20/2005 |
Inaugural Luncheona |
Reception/Dinner |
|
2/2/2005 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
2/17/2005 |
Ceremony Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Placement in Statuary Hall of the Frances E. Willard Statue |
Ceremony |
|
3/2/2005 |
Reception following the Presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson |
Reception/Dinner |
|
3/7/2005 |
Reception for New Members hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
4/16/2005 |
Kennedy Center Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
4/27/2005 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/19/2005 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/29/2005 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2005 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
6/5/2005 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/6/2005 |
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony |
Ceremony |
|
6/7/2005 |
International Club Reception and Dinner |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2005 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
9/22/2005 |
Reception following the Dedication of the Statue of Po'pay from New Mexico |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/21/2006 |
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee |
Ceremony |
|
1/31/2006 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
3/15/2006 |
50th Anniversary of Hungarian Democracy with an Address by President George W. Bush |
Ceremony |
|
4/27/2006 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/6/2006 |
Kennedy Center Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/10/2006 |
U.S. House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award Presentation Ceremony to Vice President Cheney, Lindy Boggs, and Father Drinan |
Ceremony |
|
5/25/2006 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2006 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
6/11/2006 |
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony |
Ceremony |
|
6/24/2006 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2006 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/19/2006 |
Tribute to Retiring Members of Congress sponsored by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/13/2006 |
Speaker's Reception and Dinner Honoring New Members of the House |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/14/2006 |
Democratic Leader's New Member Dinner |
Reception/Dinner |
|
12/6/2006 |
Speaker's Holiday Reception following the Lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Front |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/23/2007 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
3/29/2007 |
Photo Op with the Tuskegee Airmen, President Bush, and the Speaker prior to the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal in the Rotundab |
Ceremony |
|
4/7/2007 |
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee |
Ceremony |
|
5/10/2007 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/17/2007 |
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Juanita Millender-McDonald |
Memorial Service |
|
5/27/2007 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2007 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
6/2/2007 |
Speaker hosted Reception and Dinner |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/10/2007 |
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony |
Ceremony |
|
6/21/2007 |
2007 Achievement Summit—Academy of Achievement Dinner and Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/23/2007 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2007 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/17/2007 |
Reception honoring Dr. Norman Borlaug following the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal in the Rotunda |
Reception/Dinner |
|
8/25/2007 |
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring Father Junipero Serra |
Ceremony |
|
11/30/2007 |
Kennedy Center Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
12/4/2007 |
Presentation of the Freedom Award to former Speaker Thomas Foley by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/19/2008 |
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Leec |
Ceremony |
|
1/28/2008 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
2/14/2008 |
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Tom Lantos |
Memorial Service |
|
3/5/2008 |
Reception for the Washington Premiere of the HBO series of "John Adams" hosted by the Speaker |
Reception/Dinner |
|
4/3/2008 |
Congressional Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King "Renewing the Dream" |
Ceremony |
|
4/17/2008 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/21/2008 |
Congressional Tribute to the Centennial of the Birth of President Lyndon Johnson |
Ceremony |
|
5/25/2008 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2008 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
5/31/2008 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/8/2008 |
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremonyd |
Ceremony |
|
7/4/2008 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
9/10/2008 |
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones |
Memorial Service |
|
9/24/2008 |
Reception Honoring Retiring Members of the 110th Congress and the Presentation of the Freedom Award by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
9/24/2008 |
Reception honoring the Congressional Black Caucus hosted by Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/18/2008 |
Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Speaker |
Reception/Dinner |
|
12/7/2008 |
Kennedy Center Honors Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
12/15/2008 |
Reception Honoring Representative John Tanner and NATO Parliamentarians hosted by the Speaker |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/20/2009 |
Inaugural Luncheon |
Reception/Dinner |
|
2/10/2009 |
Celebrating the Honorable John Dingell of Michigan on the Occasion of Becoming the Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S. House of Representatives |
Ceremony |
|
2/24/2009 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
5/13/2009 |
Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/24/2009 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2009 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
6/3/2009 |
Reception and Dinner honoring Mrs. Ronald Reagan and the Unveiling of the Statue of President Ronald Reagan |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/16/2009 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2009 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/28/2009 |
Unveiling of the Official Portrait of Speaker J. Dennis Hastert |
Ceremony |
|
1/27/2010 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
3/21/2010 |
Sunday Worship Service for Members of Congress and Congressional staff e |
Ceremony |
|
3/25/2010 |
Women's History Event Honoring Secretary Hillary Clinton hosted by the Speaker |
Ceremony |
|
3/30/2010 |
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable John P. Murtha |
Memorial Service |
|
5/30/2010 |
Memorial Day Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2010 |
National Moment of Remembrance |
Ceremony |
|
6/5/2010 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/15/2010 |
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/24/2010 |
Ceremony to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the End of the Korean War |
Ceremony |
|
7/4/2010 |
July 4th Concert Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/24/2010 |
Reception and Dinner for the Spain/US Council Annual Forum |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/26/2010 |
Reception honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act |
Ceremony |
|
11/8/2010 |
Kennedy Center Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/8/2010 |
Kennedy Center Reception Honoring the 2010 Recipient of the Mark Twain Award |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/14/2010 |
Reception hosted by Leader Boehner for Republican New Members |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/25/2011 |
Media Availability for Members of Congress following a Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress |
Media Event |
|
3/9/2011 |
Reception to Welcome Members of the 112th Congress hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
3/24/2011 |
150th Anniversary of the Congressional Medal of Honor |
Reception/Dinner |
|
3/30/2011 |
40th Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/3/2011 |
Dinner Honoring the Unveiling of the Statue of President Gerald R. Ford |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/31/2011 |
Reception following the Memorial Day Concert |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/4/2011 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/14/2011 |
Former Members Association Annual Dinner |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2011 |
Reception following "A Capitol Fourth" Concert |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/17/2011 |
Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to Senator Daniel Inouye and Representative John Dingell |
Ceremony |
|
12/7/2011 |
35th Anniversary of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus |
Reception/Dinner |
|
12/12/2011 |
Farwell Reception Honoring the Service of the Honorable Wilson Livingood, Sergeant at Arms |
Ceremony |
|
4/25/2012 |
Celebration of the Life of the Hon. Donald M. Payne |
Memorial Service |
|
5/8/2012 |
A Prayer of Rededication for America: Honoring George Washington's 223rd Anniversary of his Inauguration |
Ceremony |
|
5/27/2012 |
Reception following the Memorial Day Concert |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/2/2012 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/4/2012 |
Reception following the Capitol Fourth Concert |
Reception/Dinner |
|
9/7/2012 |
Welcome Reception for the G-8 Presiding Officers |
Reception/Dinner |
|
10/26/2012 |
Academy of Achievement Dinner and Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/13/2012 |
Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the Speaker |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/14/2012 |
Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the Democratic Leader |
Reception/Dinner |
|
1/21/2013 |
Inaugural Luncheon |
Reception/Dinner |
|
2/27/2013 |
Dedication and Unveiling of a Statue of Rosa Parks |
Ceremony |
|
3/6/2013 |
Welcome Reception for New Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
5/8/2013 |
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service |
Ceremony |
|
5/14/2013 |
Former Members Association Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/1/2013 |
Ford's Theatre Gala Reception |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/5/2013 |
Centennial of the Inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson |
Reception/Dinner |
|
6/13/2013 |
Celebration Recognizing Representative John D. Dingell as the Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S. Congress |
Ceremony |
|
7/23/2013 |
Celebration of the 90th Birthday of Senator Robert J. Dole |
Reception/Dinner |
|
7/31/2013 |
50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom |
Ceremony |
|
9/10/2013 |
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley |
Ceremony |
|
10/29/2013 |
Memorial Service to Honor Former Speaker Thomas Foley |
Memorial Service |
|
10/30/2013 |
Dedication of a Bust of Sir Winston Churchill |
Ceremony |
|
11/20/2013 |
Freedom Award Presentation hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
3/13/2014 |
New Members Reception hosted by the Capitol Historical Society |
Reception/Dinner |
|
3/25/2014 |
Congressional Ceremony Commemorating the Dedication of the Statue of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug (Iowa) |
Ceremony |
|
4/30/2014 |
Anne Frank Tree Dedication |
Ceremony |
|
5/7/2014 |
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service |
Ceremony |
|
7/20/2014 |
American-Australian Education Leadership Dialogue |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/12/2014 |
Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the Democratic Leader |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/13/2014 |
Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the Republican Leader |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/19/2014 |
Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to Representative John Lewis |
Reception/Dinner |
|
11/19/2014 |
Dedication of a bust of Vaclav Havel |
Ceremony |
|
2/11/2015 |
Congressional ceremony commemorating the dedication of the Statue of the Honorable Barry Goldwater of Arizona |
Ceremony |
|
3/4/2015 |
150th Commemoration of President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address |
Reception/Dinner |
Source: The list of events held in National Statuary Hall was provided to CRS by the Office of the House Sergeant at Arms. The House Sergeant at Arms maintains the list of events.
a. Inaugural lunches are hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). The first luncheon in Statuary Hall was held in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
b. The Gold Medal Ceremony for the Tuskegee Airmen was held in the Rotunda (see S.Con.Res. 15, 110th Congress). In addition to being used for photo opportunities, Statuary Hall was used as an overflow room for the Gold Medal Ceremony.
c. The Robert E. Lee statue was moved to the Capitol Crypt in 2008.
d. The King Kamehameha statue was moved to the Capitol Visitor Center's (CVC) Emancipation Hall in 2009. The Lei Draping ceremony was moved to the CVC beginning in June 2009.
e. The worship service held in Statuary Hall was in conjunction with a Sunday session of the House [Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 156 (March 21, 2010), pp. H-1819-H1890.]
| 1. |
U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, "National Statuary Hall," http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/nat_stat_hall.cfm. |
| 2. |
Ibid. |
| 3. |
Anson G. McCook, Address Before the Society of the Army of the Cumberland at their Eleventh Reunion, Washington, November 19, 1879 (Cincinnati: Press of Robert Clarke & Co, 1879). |
| 4. |
U.S. Congress, Clerk of the House of Representatives, "The Mysterious Centennial Safe of Mrs. Charles F. Deihm," Historical Highlights, http://artandhistory.house.gov/highlights.aspx?action=view&intID=505. |
| 5. |
U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, "About the National Statuary Hall Collection," http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/nsh_coll_origin.cfm. For a list of statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection, see U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, "Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection," http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/index.cfm. Not all statues are currently housed in Statuary Hall. Some statues are stored in various halls of the Capitol, including the Crypt, the Hall of Columns, the Rotunda, the first and second floor of the Senate Wing of the Capitol, and the second floor House connecting corridor; and in the Capitol Visitor Center. See also, CRS Report R42812, National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed]. |
| 6. |
House Rule I, clause 3. U.S. Congress, Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, prepared by John V. Sullivan, Parliamentarian, 110th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 110-162 (Washington: GPO, 2009), §623, p. 336. |
| 7. |
Since the 101st Congress (1989-1990), one event was held in the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution: the lying in state of President Gerald Ford. President Ford died in December 2006, during the recess between the 109th and 110th Congress. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader jointly authorized the use of the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution. For more information on use of the Rotunda, Emancipation Hall, and the Capitol Grounds, see CRS Report RL34619, Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 113th Congress, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed]. |
| 8. |
U.S. Congress, Hinds' Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds, vol. 2 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §1354, pp. 892-893. The Speaker's authority to assign rooms in the House Wing of the Capitol stems from his or her general authority to control the use of the House chamber. For more information, see "Committee Rooms, &c.," Annals of the Congress of the United States, vol. 42 (May 26, 1824), p. 2764. |
| 9. |
U.S. Congress, Cannon's Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Clarence Cannon, vol. 6 (Washington: GPO, 1935), §261, pp. 424-425. See also, "Recognition Still Remains with the Speaker," Congressional Record, vol. 47, part 1 (April 5, 1911), p. 80. |
| 10. |
U.S. Congress, Hinds' Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds, vol. 5 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §7273, p. 1104. |