Related Resources

The resources and links below may lead to additional sources of images of members of Congress and their activities, as well as background information that may help to extend the search.

Related Resources

Library of Congress Manuscript Reading Room
Although the Manuscript Division does not generally collect papers of members of Congress, legislators are represented in the collections. In some cases, as with the Patsy Mink papers, the visual materials have been transferred to the Prints & Photographs Division. In others cases, the visual materials are kept with the papers.
Politics and Public Affairs on Film, Television, and Radio (research guide)
This guide highlights resources in the Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division relating to public affairs, including Congressional activity.
Library of Congress Law Library
Resources and reference assistance relating to law and legislation.
Library of Congress Newspaper & Current Periodicals Reading Room
Newspapers can be a rich source of published images of members of Congress and Congressional activities. See also the Published Sources" tab for tools for locating full text newspapers and periodicals.

The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
Some biographies are accompanied by small portraits, and the biographical information and pointers to where personal collections are deposited can provide leads to potential sources of images.
National Archives Still Picture Branch
No systematic coverage, but members of Congress are represented especially in: New York Times - Paris Bureau (306-NT) covering 1920s-early 1940s.; U.S. Information Agency Master File (RG 306-PS) covering 1950s-1980s; files of the military services that include members visiting military posts or attending meetings, including Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (RG 330-CFD). Images from more recent decades may be available online through the National Achives catalog.
National Portrait Gallery - Portrait Search External
A tool for locating paintings of members of Congress--especially those who were in office before the era of photography.
United States House of Representatives Office of Art and Archives/Office of the Historian
The site includes a portrait search; many of these portraits came from the Library of Congress, but some were obtained from outside sources: People Search.
The House of Representatives site also offers online presentations on:
The House of Representatives History Office can be contacted at [email protected].
United States Senate Historical Office
The Senate collections include historical prints and engravings as well as paintings. The office can be contacted at: [email protected].

Portraits of members of Congress can sometimes be located in their home state. Consult the state library or archives. Congress people sometimes donate their papers to a university library in the state.

Newspaper photograph collections and newspapers can be a source of images of members of Congress and Congressional activities. Modern newspapers will usually include a credit line listing the source of the image.

As noted in the Searching & Viewing information, the A.L.A. Portrait Index can be helpful in finding sources of images in publications issued before 1906.

Cartoons & Caricatures: Finding Images at the Library of Congress (research guide)
This guide offers summaries of a variety of collections, sample images, and search tips.
Illustrated Newspapers and Periodicals (guide)
Several 19th century illustrated newspapers and periodicals are available full-text in databases to which the Library of Congress subscribes. This reference aid leads to online versions of the newspapers and periodicals.
Newspaper Photograph Morgues (guide)
This guide can assist in finding newspaper photograph collections in the U.S. and Canada.
Popular Graphic Art Prints at the Library of Congress (1600s-1970s) (research guide)
This guide provides an overview of the popular print collection, key features and subject matter of the prints, as well as sample images, search tips, and related resources.
Chronicling America
Full text newspapers, particularly strong for the period before 1922.
Full Text Newspaper & Journal Databases Available when at the Library of Congress
A list of publications included in subscription databases available when on site at the Library of Congress.

U.S. Congress: Finding Images in the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division

Prints & Photographs: Ask a Librarian

Related Resources

Related Resources