The Architect of the Capitol kicked off a “major maintenance effort” for the Statue of Freedom last week and will begin an annual inspection and resealing of the Capitol Dome in August. [IMGCAP(1)]

AOC officials will wash the statue, inspect and document its condition, perform any needed repairs and renew its protective coating.

A scaffold has been erected around the statue, and work is expected to be completed by July 31.

Efforts on the Dome are expected to begin on Aug. 1. Officials will inspect, clean and reseal the joints in the exterior shell and interior surfaces, making sure that the “umbrella” over the Rotunda remains watertight.

Dome tours will be suspended through August because of the work.

The AOC performed the first phase of the Dome rehabilitation program in 2000. The AOC repainted the Dome in 2001 and inspected and resealed its joints in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

— Elizabeth Brotherton