I've said it before, and will likely say it quite a few more times before I'm through - for me, the best part of the hobby is the pleasure that I get from doing original research and learning about the coins and medals I collect. 

A couple of months back, I wrote a brief article for the RCC Newsletter about the commemorative medals of the Capitol Historical Society (CHS). The piece was just a quick overview of the series, and not meant to be a definitive reference. I was, however, planning a more comprehensive look at the series and had already been in contact with the CHS to request additional information from their records. (I hope to publish a catalog of the series in The Numismatist sometime soon!) 

Knowing that my twice-a-year pilgrimage to the Suburban Washington-Baltimore Coin and Currency Show was looming on the horizon, I contacted Don Kennon, PhD, Chief Historian for the CHS, and asked if I could visit him at the Society headquarters and talk to him about the Society's commemorative medals. He was kind enough to oblige me, and on Friday, March 19th I parted company with my travelling companions (David Boitnott and Vince Chicarelli) and hopped on the Washington Metro for a fifteen minute ride that took me from Crystal City to the line's South Capitol station. After a five or six block walk that took me past the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court - an inspiring walk if there ever was one! -- I found myself at 200 Maryland Avenue NE, the headquarters to the VFW and the CHS. 

Dr. Kennon greeted me warmly and immediately made me feel at home. While answering the list of questionsI had prepared, Dr. Kennon often got up to retrieve a terrific old photo about the Society, the medals, or the Capitol for me. When I had finished with my questions, Dr. Kennon "turned me loose" on the Society¹s records. 

Over the next couple of hours, I reviewed over 30 years worth of the Society's newsletter -- The Capitol Dome -- and read many fascinating letters from Congressmen and Senators interested in the CHS' medal programs. By the time I was finished, I had compiled the reference foundation for what I hope will be a comprehensive look at this wonderful commemorative series. Dr. Kennon sent me off with a folder full of original marketing brochures, photocopied articles and references, and CHS photographs - everything I had hoped for (and more!). 

As I made my way back to Crystal City (a bit over two hours late!) and to my (patiently?) waiting RCC travel mates, I couldn't help but to smile and feel exhilarated. Who knows? Maybe few of my fellow hobbyists will ever read, enjoy, and/or make use of the research I'm now engaged in. One thing I do know, however, I'm enjoying myself while doing it! And isn't that why we take up a hobby in the first place?