Luke Harris: Touring the Capitol

While working as an intern in Congressman Gowdy’s office, I had many duties and responsibilities. Some of these tasks I enjoyed and some of them I despised. The aspect of my job that I loved the most was giving tours of the Capitol Building. I have been fascinated by the United States Capitol since I was six years old. When I first visited Washington, my family and I had the opportunity to receive a tour from the Chief of the Capitol Police Department and on that day I fell in love with one of America’s most historic buildings. When I learned that I would be giving tours myself, I became devoted to the task of learning everything that I could about the building in order to ensure that I could inspire my guests in the same way that I was inspired. 

Almost all of the constituent tour groups that I led seemed to be interested in what I was saying to some extent, but almost all of them would space out at some point. It would seem that they would become somewhat bored with the endless stream of facts and history that I had learned. However, there was one group that truly stands out in my memory. It was a group of friends- two married couples from the Fourth District in South Carolina. We talked and joked as we made our way from the office to the Capitol Visitor’s Center (CVC). This was not unusual, but I could tell that there was a connection even at this stage of the tour. 

After making our way through the CVC we wound our way through the crypt and the Old Supreme Court Chamber. The group not only listened to what I had to say but they asked questions and wanted to know more. This was not the first group that did this, but they asked more questions than most and it made me feel as if I had finally found the group that truly cared as much about the Capitol as I did. I was excited as we made our way to the Rotunda, because this is where people tend to have the strongest reactions. Not only is the Rotunda beautifully designed and decorated, but it is also (literally and metaphorically) at the heart of American democracy. 

I turned around to see my group’s reactions as we entered the Rotunda and was not disappointed. Their eyes immediately turned upward to view The Apotheosis of George Washington by Constantino Brumidi. Much like the other tourists, they were astounded by the beauty of the painting and of the incredible scenery that now surrounded them. I took my time and explained the history of the paintings and statues around the room, as well as the historical significance of the Rotunda. I was interrupted on a few occasions as they asked questions but I didn’t mind. I was able to give them not only knowledge, but I also inspired them. They had been struck by the incredible scenery around them and I had the privilege of being a part of this experience with them. 

After I finished explaining the history of the Rotunda and I had answered all of their questions, I experienced something that I had not experienced with the other groups. We started having a natural, enjoyable conversation right in the middle of the Rotunda. We discussed history, politics and anything that came to mind. This conversation lasted for at least half an hour. None of the other tour groups had actually paused the tour to have a conversation in this way. Although I had pleasant talks with everyone that I led on the tour, this prolonged exchange was unique and it made the overall experience even more memorable. 

After we left the Rotunda we made our way to the Old Senate Chamber. It was at this point on the tour that I told the story of how South Carolina Representative Preston Brooks beat Northern abolitionist Senator Charles Sumner with his cane during the antebellum years. My group was interested not only in the story, but in the Chamber as well. There were no other groups at the time we entered, so we took our time moving around the room as I told all of the stories that I knew and pointed out historical highlights. It seemed as if a good tour had gotten even better. 

We then made our way to the National Statuary Hall, which was once the meeting place of the US House of Representatives. While there I pointed out and explained the significance of some of the statues, including Thomas Edison (who had only recently been donated to the collection by his home state of Ohio). This was fun, but the best part of the National Statuary Hall is the famed “Whisper Effect.” Most groups believe that their guide is joking when they hear that you can whisper on one end of the room and be heard plainly on the other end. My group was no exception. When I crossed to the other side of the room and demonstrated the effect, their faces lit up. They were so excited about having been shown the trick that it seemed to be a fitting way to wrap up the tour. 
 

At the conclusion of the tour, the members of my group asked for a picture with me and offered me a tip (which I politely declined). I could see that I had made an impression on them and one of them even referred to the tour as being the highlight of their trip. I felt more accomplished in that moment than at any other time during my internship. I had impacted them and given them not only knowledge, but a truly valuable experience. It is an incredible thing to touch someone in such a way and I do not believe that I will ever forget that particular tour group. I think about them often and I wonder if they know that they touched me far more than I touched them.

Luke Harris is a senior political science major who will graduate in May of 2017. He completed his breakaway in Washington, DC and will serve as an officer in the US Army upon graduation.