Sitting atop a grassy knoll, this historic building houses the oldest elected legislative body in North America. The Virginia State Capitol connects students with representative government, Virginia history, and Thomas Jefferson’s architecture, while offering a front-row seat to the General Assembly’s ongoing work. Students can take a step into important U.S. and state history and learn about the past and current work that has impacted Virginia and beyond.
Field Trips to the Capitol
The Capitol offers several field trip opportunities for visiting student groups. Free guided indoor tours of the State Capitol building last about an hour and give student groups a comprehensive look at one of the nation’s most historically significant government buildings. Tour groups explore the Rotunda, the Jefferson Room, the Old House Chamber, and the Old Senate Chamber, gaining insight into the building’s Jeffersonian design and its role in shaping American democracy. Visit the Executive Mansion for a look at the historic home of Virginia’s state senators. Across the street from the Capitol, the Supreme Court of Virginia offers tours of the courtroom and Judicial Learning Center. Providing students with insight into the judicial process and its history in the state.
Educational Tours & Programs
For a more hands-on experience, check out the Capitol’s Chamber Tours. This unique, one-hour program puts students in legislators’ shoes. After a discussion of the legislative process, students engage in a mock session in the real chambers of Virginia state senators or the House of Delegates.
After learning about the history made here, students can see the work being done today. When the General Assembly is not in session, groups may also visit the present-day legislative chambers located in the 1906 wings. During session, visitors can sit in the public galleries and watch Virginia’s lawmakers at work firsthand, offering a rare, real-time civics lesson.
Teacher Resources
The Capitol’s website offers some great online resources to utilize before a trip. The Capitol Classroom helps students start learning about their local government. The glossary and legislative term overview are easy resources to use before a field trip to build a foundation in the terminology. It helps break down complex legislative language into easy-to-understand information.
There are also resources for more specific learning themes – such as the budget process, redistricting, and elections. Educators and group organizers can order preparatory materials in advance to help students get the most out of their visit, and guides encourage students to ask questions throughout the tour. Legislative staff is also available to answer questions, giving students the chance to engage directly with the people who shape state government.
Students can feel the grandeur of the centuries-old building as they walk the same halls as some of America’s most important political figures. With a rich history that has shaped the state and current work that continues to shape Virginia’s future, this is an ideal destination for any social studies-based field trip.
