Wednesday, June 28, 2006

C-SPAN Uncovers The Secrets OF THE CAPITAL Building

C-SPAN Uncovers the Hidden Corridors Under the Capitol Dome in Original TV Series, THE CAPITOL

Complementing July 4th celebrations, THE CAPITOL airs July 6-8 featuring a never-before-seen on TV look at the history, art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol Building

For Americans that can′t make it to Washington, D.C. for the Fourth of July, C-SPAN is taking viewers inside the U.S. Capitol building for a tour they couldn′t take even if they were here, as part of the network′s July presentation of The Capitol.

THE CAPITOL, a three-part, nine-hour series airing on Thursday, July 6 through Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET, offers a rare look inside a building that reflects the nation′s history. Through interviews with historians and Members of Congress, tours, and unprecedented access into the building′s public and private spaces, C-SPAN presents a groundbreaking view inside this American icon.

"This is the most extensive look at the history and the art and architecture of the Capitol ever seen on television," said Brian Lamb, CEO of C-SPAN. "The project just made sense for C-SPAN. We′ve spent 27 years covering events inside this building. Telling the story of the Capitol building helps tell the story of the United States."

THE CAPITOL′s highlights include:

* George Washington′s tomb was built in the basement of the Capitol and remains there today ... empty ... Learn why in part one.

* Explore the Old Senate Baths located in the crypt, where 19th century Senators would bathe before engaging in the era′s great debates.

* Exclusive looks as Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) opens the doors to the Republican Majority Leader′s office, located in the oldest section of the Capitol, and Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) gives a tour of his personal hideaway space.

* Locate the bullet holes that remain in the House of Representatives chamber after a shooting by Puerto Rican nationals in 1954.

The recently debuted series was recorded in high-definition to capture the beauty of the Capitol building. Each part is approximately three hours long and includes taped video segments and studio interviews with historians and viewer phone calls from the series′ premiere on May 31. Part one is called, AN AMERICAN ICON, and explores the history of the Capitol; part two is titled, THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; and part three is called THE U.S. SENATE.