Shahana ’26 shares about their final day in Washington D.C visiting the House Chamber and meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern.
Today, we had the rare and unforgettable experience of being on the floor of the House Chamber—not just observing from the upper gallery like most visitors, but actually sitting in the room where history happens. With its towering ionic columns made of black Italian marble and white Alabama marble capitals, the chamber itself was a stunning sight. But even more surreal was hearing Congressman Jim McGovern talk to us about the space, his routines there, and the weight of the decisions made within those walls.
As we sat in that room, it was impossible not to feel the presence of history. This was where Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war against Japan, where John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and George H. W. Bush served as congressmen, where debates have shaped the nation’s laws, where Winston Churchill once stood and spoke, and where the State of the Union Address will be delivered on March 4. It’s a room that has witnessed history unfold, time and time again. Seeing it in person made it all feel more real—the speeches, the votes, the moments that change the course of history.
After our time in the House Chamber, we explored the Capitol further, picking up some fascinating and downright wild facts along the way:
- The Frieze of American History in the Rotunda – This massive painted timeline of key moments in U.S. history has an intense backstory: its artist, Constantino Brumidi, once slipped from his scaffold and dangled from a ladder for fifteen minutes before being rescued. Talk about dedication!
- The Capitol Crypt – At the very center of the crypt lies a white marble “compass stone” marking the exact middle of Washington, D.C. Fun fact: this was supposed to be George Washington’s burial site, but he insisted on staying at Mount Vernon. His decision wasn’t just about location—it was a statement, rejecting any monarchical treatment and reminding everyone that the U.S. is a democracy, not a kingdom.
Next, we made our way to the Cannon House Office Building to meet with Congressman McGovern, who represents Massachusetts’s 2nd District (including Deerfield). Our conversation was anything but boring—he gave us insight into everything from the challenges of political life to his personal experiences on January 6th. One of the most interesting moments? When he told us, “Why be in office if you vote for the popular opinion?” A refreshing take in a world where politicians often play it safe. We also learned about his daily schedule, the countries he’s been banned from (yes, plural), and—perhaps most importantly—his stance on TikTok. (He was one of the representatives who voted against banning it!)
After soaking up all that history and political insight, we refueled with a delicious meal at the Capitol Café before heading back to the hotel to grab our things and make our way to the train station. As we left, we carried more than just full stomachs—we left with a deeper understanding of the political process and a real appreciation for the spaces where democracy comes to life.
