September 7, 2025

A Churchill on the Hill

By EDWARD CHURCHILL

This summer I had the privilege of interning at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., with Majority Whip Tom Emmer. It was a fascinating opportunity to see the very center of American politics in action, and to witness how Winston Churchill, my great-great-grandfather, still lives on in the hearts and minds of many in Congress.

In this piece, I want to share my three major takeaways from the experience: first, a glimpse into how this extraordinary internship came about and what life is like as a congressional intern; second, my reflections on a pivotal Subcommittee meeting on the designation of the National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark; and finally, my observations of the bipartisan respect for Churchill’s legacy that I encountered throughout my time in Washington.

How It Began: From Harrow-on-the-Hill to Capitol Hill

This adventure began during the summer term at Harrow School. I had recently been appointed head of the Palmerston Society, the political group that invites external speakers to address the students. That term, we welcomed former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. Over dinner, I discovered not only his deep interest in Churchill, but also how much his view of today’s global climate is shaped by lessons from the pre–Second World War era.

As the evening ended, he surprised me with an offer of an internship in Washington, D.C. I was stunned—but thrilled—and within a few months I found myself stepping into Congress for my very first day.

Life as an intern starts early, often before 8:00 a.m., with days spent crisscrossing the enormous Capitol complex. The underground tunnels connecting the House and Senate buildings quickly became familiar as we sped between offices delivering notes, gifts, or thank-you cards. We manned front desks, guided guests, and even led tours of the Capitol dome. Each small task was part of the larger machinery that keeps Congress moving—an invaluable experience in the daily workings of American democracy.

A Landmark Moment: The National Churchill Museum

On July 16th, I attended a hearing of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands in the Longworth House Office Building. The topic: a bill to designate America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri, as a National Historic Landmark.

Timothy Riley, the Museum’s Director and Chief Curator, gave passionate testimony on the importance of this recognition. The designation would not only honor Churchill’s historic ties to the United States—through his mother’s American heritage and his partnership with President Roosevelt—but also strengthen the bridge between our nations that was forged in wartime and has endured ever since.

To me, the Museum and organizations like the International Churchill Society play a vital role in maintaining this connection between past, present, and future. They remind us that freedom, honor, and courage are principles worth sacrificing for, and that Churchill’s story is not just history but a living legacy.

Bipartisanship and Churchill’s Influence

During my time in Washington, I met figures from both sides of the aisle—from a quick greeting with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to a dinner with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. What struck me most was the civility and respect I observed inside the Capitol—so different from the polarized image often portrayed in the media.

Speaker McCarthy, even out of office, maintained warm friendships with Democrats; I accompanied him to a Democratic colleague’s birthday celebration and saw firsthand the goodwill that still exists across party lines. Likewise, my boss, Majority Whip Emmer, worked with Democrats on bipartisan legislation during my stay.

What united them most, however, was Churchill. Nearly every office I entered had a Churchill quote or memento on display. Members spoke to me about the inspiration they draw from him, and I even discovered a fellow ICS member working in the Whip’s office. But perhaps the most profound moments came in conversations with other interns, many of whom were eager to discuss Churchill’s leadership, his humor, and his values. It was moving to see how Churchill continues to resonate—not only with today’s leaders but with the next generation.

Closing Reflections

I want to thank the members of the International Churchill Society for the kindness shown to me during my time in D.C. I especially appreciated the hospitality of Bob Jerome and his partner, who welcomed me to dinner at the University Club. It was also a pleasure to meet the Society’s new Director, Dr. Adam Howard, and Deputy Director Angela Ostrom. Dr. Howard’s depth of historical knowledge and their shared leadership give me great confidence in the future of ICS.

At its heart, this organization is built on history—and as my great-great-grandfather famously said:

“Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.”