Today’s New York Times The Caucus blog features a post discussing how incoming House Speaker, John A. Boehner, can best avoid becoming “branded in an unflattering way” as did his predecessors, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Hunting around for some information about the history of the speakership, I came across the historical collections of the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Under the subject heading “Speaker of the House” you’ll find scores of articles, including one about Frederick A.C. Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania, the first Speaker of the House. First elected to the post on April 1, 1789, Muhlenberg would go on to serve two non-consecutive terms in that leadership role.
Articles provided by the U.S. Clerk’s office provide links to profile information for the Congresses under which the speakers served. Other links provide access to articles about important pieces of legislation considered during the speakers’ tenure.
The image above is taken from a portrait of Muhlenberg and comes from the collection of the U.S. House of Representatives.
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