Hoover History Gallery

Open office space, c. 1931.

Construction of the original Patent Search Room, c. 1931. Today, this space services as the White House Visitor’s Center.

Interior construction of the Department of Commerce, c. 1931.

Aerial view of the Commerce building in 1931, just prior to its completion

Interior view of the executive offices at the Commerce building during construction

One of the building’s six courtyards undergoing construction, 1930

The Department of Commerce library, just prior to completion

Digging the foundation for the Commerce building

Aerial view of construction on the Commerce building, c. 1930

Construction of the Commerce building, 1930

Construction of the Commerce building along 14th street

Interior construction of the Department of Commerce

Construction of the limestone façade along 14th street