on previous projects aid in the planning and development of new projects.

AOC archives contain over 186,000 architectural and engineering drawings with more constantly added. Approximately 60 percent of these drawings have been arranged, indexed and assigned control numbers. Most of those remaining are stored in drawing cabinets (arranged by building) waiting to be indexed and verified as not being duplicates. The Records Management and Archives Branch scans, labels, indexes and backs up (using a Web-based database) the drawings to facilitate retrieval. The Archival staff performs basic preservation and conservation of drawings, with specialized work on fragile and historic drawings performed by contracted experts.

9.2. Construction and Administrative Textual Records

The Records Center and Archives maintains administrative and project records that document AOC’s history as well as the construction history of Capitol Hill buildings. These holdings date from the Capitol extension project in the 1850s and continue through the present. Of special value are the manuscript collection and the Architects’ letter books dating to the 1850s.

9.3. Photographs

The Photography Branch produces photographs relat- ing to architectural design, construction, renovation and restoration of the historic buildings and grounds under AOC’s care. The Branch covers major ceremonial events, documents works of art and conservation projects and produces graphic slides, displays and video for AOC and congressional use. The Branch maintains an archive of over 250,000 photographic images dating to the 1850s. The collection includes approximately 4,000 glass plates, in addition to hundreds of thousands of images in negative, print, and digital format. The number of images is growing rapidly since the conversion to digital format. Each unique image is given a control number (one image may exist in multiple formats). The majority of the glass and film negatives are stored off-site for long-term preservation. Digital files are systematically backed-up and copied.

9.4. Small Architectural Models

AOC preserves a small number of display models as part of the architectural record for study and possibly future exhibit purposes.

9.5, 9.6 and 9.7. Reference Files, Library Materials and Conservation Reports

One of the largest curatorial functions AOC performs is maintaining the inventory of, and files for, art and historical objects. The Curator maintains a file on each work of art, artist and room in the U.S. Capitol as well as files on the buildings and architectural subjects. The Curator also keeps records on major ceremonies, such as joint sessions of Congress and inaugurations. AOC uses these files to answer questions from AOC staff and contractors, members of Congress and their staffs and the public and to provide information for written fact sheets and publications. The U.S. Capitol Historical Society Fellowship, managed by the Curator, continually adds to the knowledge of the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol.

Table, See Full Report, Page 138