Eyes of History Exhibit Captures 2011's Top Political Moments

CULTURE -- October 5, 2012 at 2:00 PM EDT

Eyes of History Exhibit Captures 2011's Top Political Moments

President Obama shakes the prosthetic hand of a soldier receiving the nation's highest military honor. House Speaker John Boehner tears up as he takes the gavel from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

These are among the moments captured in the 70 award-winning political photos highlighted at the "The Eyes of History 2012" exhibit at Washington D.C.'s Newseum. The collection, part of a competition of the White House News Photographers Association, features influential moments in politics from 2011. Awards include Photographer of the Year and Political Photo of the Year.

Before 1921, photographers were barred from the U.S. Capitol. President Warren G. Harding incorporated the press when he founded the White House News Photographers Association, expanding their ability to document political history.

You can view photos on display at the Newseum through Mar. 29, 2013 or visit the NewsHour's Flicker feed for more political photos.

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