Richard Baker told stories from the history of the Senate and showed some rare photographs of senators. Mr. Baker retired in August 2009 after 34 years as the first historian of the United States Senate. Mr. Baker began his tenure in 1975 when the office of Senate Historian was established. By Senate Resolution, he was named historian emeritus effective September 1, 2009. He also served as the curator for the exhibition gallery of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center which opened late the previous year.