Videos

Senate Historian Emeritus Don Ritchie told the story of President George Washington’s first trip to the Senate. During his first term while the government was in New York City, President…

Senate Historian Emeritus Don Ritchie talked about the impact of the Senate’s rejection of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork in 1987. He also explained the evolution of the Senate’s role in…

The December 15, 1795 rejection of President George Washington’s choice of John Rutledge to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court set an important precedent. Delivering a stinging blow to…

Senate Historian Emeritus Dick Baker told the infamous story of the 1856 caning of Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Beaten so badly by House member…

Senate historian Betty Koed tells the story of the personal and political battles between Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky and President Andrew Jackson. Fighting over the Bank of the United…

Senate historian Betty Koed talked about the contributions of slaves, African Americans and women to the early years of the Senate.

Senate historian Betty Koed described the pre-Civil War era once known as the “Golden Age” of the Senate. Dominated by Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the era from 1820 to just…

Senate Historian Emeritus Dick Baker recounts the story of South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond’s record setting 24 hour filibuster of the 1957 Civil Rights Act.

Senate historian Betty Koed told the story of the sensationalized 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson.

Senate historian Betty Koed told the story of partisan politics in the early Senate and how that played into the first impeachments--including the 1804 impeachment trial of Supreme Court…

Historian Donald Ritchie discussed the political battles and personal animosity between powerful Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky and President Andrew Jackson, which led to consequences for…

Senate Historian Emeritus Richard Baker told the story of President George Washington personally paying a visit to the Senate to lobby the body for its immediate approval of a treaty.…

Senate historian Betty Koed talked about the importance and drama surrounding the first two African American senators, Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce. Both from the south, their time as…