Tvs american artifacts explore the history of the United States threw objects, up next we visit capitol hill to talk to house historian, matthew wasilewski. And house curative far elliott, about the history of African Americans in congress in the 19th century. And a selection of artifacts from the house collection. The story of how African Americans come to congress a 19 century, is not one that a lot of people are familiar with. We actually had 22 African Americans sir between 1870 and 1901. 20 in the house, to in the senate. Largely a house story. And it has to do with the role of congress, during the civil war. And in the decade after during a civil war, there were a group of radicals in congress, radicals because they believed in the equality of African Americans and wanted to create a society that was a multi racial society. These were radicals in the house like stevens, it was chairman of the means committee, and a very powerful leader. Also people like hadnt rewinter davis, ally