In 2022, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) produced an exclusive holiday ornament for the Olmsted 200 bicentennial celebration. The wreath-shaped ornament features a cutout of the U.S. Capitol Building— crafted from the marble of the original steps— and a gold cutout of Olmsted’s summerhouse.
In 1873, Congress commissioned Olmsted to design the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. After careful study, in June 1874, he presented a plan for a sophisticated landscape that highlighted the building it surrounded.
His symmetrical design incorporated park-like edging, low walls, lamps, careful placement of trees and simple shrubs, and a series of curved walkways that afforded attractive views of the Capitol. Olmsted later added the brick summerhouse to his design to provide visitors with a drinking fountain and a cool place to rest.
This exclusive ornament pays tribute to his legendary design work. Originally sold for $28, USCHS is now offering it for the discounted price of $20. Only a handful of these ornaments remain, so don’t wait to make your purchase.
