The Hill News

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) appointed a new House historian on Wednesday, following the recommendation of a selection committee and in consultation with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio).

Matthew Wasniewski was appointed to be the fourth House historian in charge of recording the events, members and evolution of the lower chamber. Wasniewski, who will be leaving his position as the historian in the House Clerk’s Office of History and Preservation, received the unanimous recommendation of the House Historian Search Committee.

“Dr. Wasniewski brings enormous experience and energy to the job of House historian,” Pelosi said in a statement. “His knowledge of congressional history and his familiarity with cutting-edge research and archival techniques make him the perfect candidate for this position."

Wasniewski will replace Robert Remini, who after serving for five years in the position retired as House historian ear! lier this year. 

Pelosi selected a panel of historians to conduct a search for Remini’s replacement, which her office said produced an “impartial and professional” search. The panel consisted of professors of history from the University of Connecticut, Gettysburg College, the University of Miami and Princeton University, as well as a former acting archivist of the United States.

Boehner thanked Pelosi for working together in a bipartisan fashion to make the selection of Wasniewski, which he said would further the connection of Congress with the American public.

“Wasniewski’s interest in the history of the federal government, and his longtime association with the House, make him an excellent choice who will continue to find innovative ways to not only help the public be better engaged with their House, but to help members better perform their duties through an understanding of the history of the institution,” he said in a statem! ent.

Following Pelosi’s call to reduce redundancy! and cut costs, the search committee also recommended that the Office of the Historian be consolidated with the House Clerk’s Office of History and Preservation.