Who Are the People?

Explore U.S. Capitol statues in AR. Use your phone camera to place and learn about historic figures in your space.

Bring U.S. Capitol statues to life in your own space.

Explore the stories behind some of the U.S. Capitol statues with Who Are the People?, an augmented reality (AR) experience that transforms your mobile device into a virtual museum. Whether you're a student, educator, history enthusiast, or curious visitor, this app offers a unique way to engage with American history through art, storytelling, and immersive technology.

How It Works

Using your phone or tablet’s front-facing camera, you can place life-size statues in your environment—at home, in the classroom, or on the go. View the statues from every angle and unlock rich content about the people depicted and the artists behind the work.

Each statue experience includes: • Biographical information about the historical figure • Artist insights and key sculptural details • Curator commentary to provide additional context • Interactive steps that lead to a special reward

Statues Featured in the App • Mary McLeod Bethune by Nilda Comas (Florida, 2022) • Willa Cather by Littleton Alston (Nebraska, 2023) • Frederick Douglass by Steven Weitzman (given by Washington, D.C., 2013) • Amelia Earhart by George and Mark Lundeen (Kansas, 2022) • Kamehameha I by Thomas Ridgeway Gould (Hawaii, 1969) • Helen Keller by Edward Hlavka (Alabama, 2009) • Abraham Lincoln by Vinnie Ream (commissioned by the U.S. Congress, 1871) • Portrait Monument by Adelaide Johnson (given by the National Woman's Party, 1920) • Chief Standing Bear by Benjamin Victor (Nebraska, 2019) • Statue of Freedom by Thomas Crawford (commissioned by the U.S. Congress, 1863) • John Swigert, Jr. by George and Mark Lundeen (Colorado, 1997) • Harry Truman by Tom Corbin (Missouri, 2022) • Sojourner Truth by Artis Lane (given by the National Congress of Black Women, 2009) • Sarah Winnemucca by Benjamin Victor (Nevada, 2005)

About the Collection

Many of the sculptures featured in this app are part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. The Collection is comprised of two statues from each state. Since its inception in 1864, the Collection has grown and includes prominent figures who have shaped American civic, cultural, and military history.

Statues are located around the Capitol with 35 found in National Statuary Hall. The Capitol Visitor Center, the most recent addition to the U.S. Capitol, now houses many of the recently donated statues. This app brings the sculptures to life in a new way—making them accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Designed for Learning

Perfect for classrooms and at-home learning, Who Are the People? supports: • Civic education • American history curriculum • Art appreciation • Interactive learning through AR

Whether you're teaching students about Helen Keller’s legacy or exploring the symbolism behind the Statue of Freedom, this app makes history tangible and engaging.

Features • Augmented reality statue placement • Interactive educational content • Audio and visual storytelling • Reward-based engagement • Haptic rewards (note: the haptic reward in the Helen Keller experience is not available on iPads)

Download now and discover the people behind the statues in the Capitol through the art that honors them.