Amidst the current climate of intense political discord, Capitol Hill can rely on Jane L. Campbell, who serves as both the president and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
Campbell’s attention is not on minor conflicts but instead centers on the influential individuals and entities that populated Capitol Hill, maintaining remembrance in honor of Clio, the mythological muse of history, whose likeness as a bust can be found in Statuary Hall.
The sole female mayor of Cleveland to date, Campbell understands the pressures associated with running for office and serving as an elected official.
In her clearly unbiased role—one of the few remaining in Washington—she makes an effort to involve all legislators in social events.
Although Campbell, who is 72 years old, is familiar with the bustling corridors — as well as the secluded spots — she revealed her plans for retirement later this year.
"The moment has come to hand over the baton," she states during an interview about rounding off her illustrious career. "I wish to prioritize my daughter now," remarks a physician who has recently delivered a newborn girl.
As the country nears its 249th anniversary in a turbulent state of affairs, Campbell believes that the founding fathers’ principles written down have the potential to last for a very long time.
Her role is to bridge the gap between the past and the present, infused with an optimistic outlook and trust in one of the world’s most established democracies. George Washington initiated construction by laying the foundation stone for the Capitol, while Abraham Lincoln supervised the creation of its grandiose dome.
The Declaration of Independence is our guiding light," she stated. Gesturing towards the pristine Capitol, she added, "This is where the nation comes to debate, and it’s not (always) a straightforward process.
"Most people genuinely think they are putting forth their best efforts for the country," according to Campbell.
The individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence and framed the Constitution frequently debated and ultimately accepted compromises that would later become apparent as defects—most notably during the Civil War, which was sparked largely due to the issue of slavery.
“I depart even more resolute to articulate and disseminate these (American) principles,” Campbell states, referring to the concepts of liberty, entitlements, and ideals that have endured through the currents of history.
Initially involved in municipal and state-level politics, Campbell was an advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment during the period when it nearly became legislation.
Campbell's job seldom has a slow moment. She arranges online seminars featuring historians, conducts guided tours beneath the dome, and delivers a biennial "Introduction to Congress" speech.
David Greenberg, who was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and has written a biography about the late civil rights leader and politician John Lewis, delivered this year's keynote address.
In the previous autumn, the organization conducted educator training sessions on the Civil Rights Act in Springfield, Illinois, collaborating with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Over six years as leader, Campbell rejuvenated the society's role within contemporary historical developments and discoveries.
Norman Ornstein, a former scholar from the American Enterprise Institute, remarks, “Jane Campbell found herself in exactly the correct position under ideal circumstances.” He adds that she possessed both political acumen and managerial expertise, along with an extensive understanding of historical contexts and the legislative branch’s constitutional duties.
Cheerfully, Campbell informs others that even though the organization has congressional charter status, it relies solely on private contributions for funding.
Therefore, it’s exempt from reductions imposed by President Donald Trump. Campbell expressed disappointment at seeing Carla Hayden, the librarian of Congress, dismissed suddenly. It turns out that both the library and the Supreme Court share neighboring premises.
Campbell holds dear the idea of original theater and therefore co-commisioned a play about the disputed election of 1876.
The play "Electionland" focuses on an agreement between North and South to conclude federal Reconstruction in the previously Confederate states. Rutherford B. Hayes, who emerged victorious, has been harshly remembered by African American communities for generations. Written by Jean Bordewich, this production was showcased at the Russell Senate Office Building.
Campbell headed a discussion on my play titled "Across the River," which delves into the captivating story of Aaron Burr, the vice president who infamously shot Alexander Hamilton during their legendary 1804 duel.
Campbell’s office fittingly holds a spot in history.
Overlooking the Capitol, the society’s rooms previously contained the Warren Commission. An image shows the individuals who investigated John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, a pivotal moment in history.
Chief Justice Earl Warren, along with the committee, determined that the assassin operated independently.
Campbell possesses a welcoming Midwestern demeanor and maintains her residence in Cleveland.
"She mentions that she never fully became a Washingtonian," even though she once served as former Senator Mary Landrieu's (D-La.) chief of staff.
As Ornstein stated: "We will miss Jane."
(The upcoming free Society Webinar will be held on Thursday, June 26th, at noon, focusing on a newly released biography of Senator Charles Sumner, an abolitionist leader. To sign up for this event, visit capitolhistory.org/society-events/charles-sumner-conscience-of-a-nation.)
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