George Washington Masonic National Memorial

George Washington Masonic National Memorial The Memorial is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation and all gifts are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
(1860)

"To inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and Father of our Country." The George Washington Masonic National Memorial was built in the 1920s by the more than two million American Freemasons who wished to "express in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years."

Bound for PreservationMasonic Portraits: Sketches of Distinguished Freemasons by Ray V. Denslow (1972)This book publishe...
03/20/2026

Bound for Preservation
Masonic Portraits: Sketches of Distinguished Freemasons by Ray V. Denslow (1972)

This book published in 1972 by the Missouri Lodge of Research. The author, Ray V. Denslow (1885–1960), was a highly influential researcher from Missouri. He was a prolific writer on Masonic topics, particularly York Rite Freemasonry, global Masonic affairs, and historical aspects of the fraternity. He served in high offices such as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri (1931), General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons (1942–1946), and founded/edited The Royal Arch Mason magazine.

Much of his work appeared in Missouri Lodge of Research publications, and he was known for detailed, scholarly contributions to Masonic literature.This posthumous volume collects or compiles his sketches or biographical portraits of notable/distinguished Freemasons. It features short biographical profiles and character studies highlighting prominent figures in Freemasonry.

The dustjacket of the book is an artfully retro design harkening to the style of the 1950s.

Help us preserve this book—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution to our library conservation and expansion efforts, visit https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Library-Collections-Support?brid=t9uB2T36CYbWGIaFbrxJ5g

On March 12, the Grand Masters representing the states of the original thirteen colonies gathered in Alexandria for a da...
03/13/2026

On March 12, the Grand Masters representing the states of the original thirteen colonies gathered in Alexandria for a day of celebrating America’s 250th year. The event was organized by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. In the morning, each of them laid wreaths at the tomb of George Washington at Mount Vernon. Then, they were given a special VIP tour of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, including the display of some items not normally on display and a tour of our newly reopened research library. The day concluded with a meeting of Alexandria-Washington Lodge № 22, where the delegation was recognized. Thanks for all who participated in this historic Masonic event.

Bound for PreservationMasonic Curiosa by H.L. Haywood (1968)This book is Volume No. 25 in the Transactions of the Missou...
03/06/2026

Bound for Preservation
Masonic Curiosa by H.L. Haywood (1968)

This book is Volume No. 25 in the Transactions of the Missouri Lodge of Research. It collects various short items of Masonic interest, drawn from H. L. Haywood's "From the Desk" contributions and similar materials, presenting miscellaneous facts, anecdotes, and observations on Freemasonry. It serves as a volume for enjoyable, casual reading on Masonic topics rather than a systematic treatise.

It includes discussions on Masonic symbolism, history, philosophy, and teachings, often drawing from Haywood's expertise as a prominent Masonic writer. Other featured subjects encompass charity, Masonic etiquette, the meaning of rituals, operative-to-speculative transitions, and biographical or anecdotal insights into Freemasonry. The book also covers uplifting themes like the good life in Masonry, brotherhood, and practical observations for Masons. Overall, it serves as a collection of curiosities, facts, and reflections rather than a single unified narrative, aimed at casual and inspirational reading for Masonic enthusiasts.

Help us preserve this book—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution to our library conservation and expansion efforts, visit https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Library-Collections-Support?brid=t9uB2T36CYbWGIaFbrxJ5g

Symbols of Our StoryRelic of George Washington’s Hair (1959.01.01)Gift of Edward G. Fox, March 19, 1959This small and un...
03/04/2026

Symbols of Our Story
Relic of George Washington’s Hair (1959.01.01)
Gift of Edward G. Fox, March 19, 1959

This small and unassuming artifact contains a single strand of gray hair, carefully coiled and stitched to a circular piece of black silk tabby. It was at one time wrapped in a folded piece of heavy, ruled paper bearing a handwritten inscription: “George Washington’s hair.”

The strand has long been believed to have belonged to George Washington, a tradition that has accompanied the piece over time. In the late eighteenth century, locks of hair were often preserved as intimate keepsakes — tokens of remembrance, affection, or mourning. There are some documented cases of Martha Washington giving locks of The General’s hair to family members and close friends both during his lifetime and following his death in 1799. Such gifts were treasured as deeply personal reminders of the man behind the public legend.

Whether viewed as a patriotic relic, a mourning token, or a historical keepsake, this modest artifact reflects a very human impulse: the desire to preserve connection to the past.

Help us preserve this piece of Masonic history—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution, visit https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Collections-Support?brid=FC_ft-XGs8QTZ-_A89TPEQ

273 years ago today, George Washington was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft Mason in his lodge at Fredericksburg, Vi...
03/03/2026

273 years ago today, George Washington was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft Mason in his lodge at Fredericksburg, Virginia. This ceremony builds upon the lessons of the Apprentice degree, deepening it by introducing the study of the seven liberal arts and sciences... especially Geometry. Washington, who learned surveying first through self-study and then hands-on work experience years earlier, would likely have been fascinated by the teachings presented to him that night. He was 21 years old then, and remained a Freemason all of his life.

Illustration: George Washington’s survey of Alexandria, completed when he was 17.

Thanks to Visit Alexandria for this feature!
03/03/2026

Thanks to Visit Alexandria for this feature!

Our Washington’s Birthday Gala is always the highlight of the year. Here are just a few photos from the celebration!
02/27/2026

Our Washington’s Birthday Gala is always the highlight of the year. Here are just a few photos from the celebration!

Bound for PreservationThe ABC of Freemasonry: A Book for Beginners by Delmar D. Darrah (1924)The book is a short, pocket...
02/27/2026

Bound for Preservation
The ABC of Freemasonry: A Book for Beginners by Delmar D. Darrah (1924)

The book is a short, pocket-sized introductory manual written by Delmar Darrah, a prominent Illinois Freemason and writer. First published in 1915, it is designed as an accessible primer for new Freemasons. Darrah, who was a Past Grand Master of Illinois and an Active Member of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, aimed to provide a straightforward overview rather than elaborate speculation of Masonic themes. The content is structured to cover the fundamentals in a clear, alphabetical or basic explanatory style.

The tone is educational, encouraging readers to appreciate Freemasonry's role in character building while remaining concise and free of complex details that would require deeper study. It serves as a companion for those entering the fraternity, explaining "what Freemasonry is" in simple terms rather than serving as a comprehensive history or ritual monitor.

Help us preserve this book—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution to our library conservation and expansion efforts, visit
https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Library-Collections-Support?brid=t9uB2T36CYbWGIaFbrxJ5g

Symbols of Our StoryDeMolay Merit Bar (2023.09.01)This DeMolay merit bar pin represents far more than decorative regalia...
02/25/2026

Symbols of Our Story
DeMolay Merit Bar (2023.09.01)

This DeMolay merit bar pin represents far more than decorative regalia — it embodies a structured system of encouragement and personal development within DeMolay International.

Founded in 1919, The Order of DeMolay was created to build better young men through leadership, service, and moral character. One of the practical tools used to foster that growth was the merit bar system. Members earned individual bars for achievement in specific areas of discipline and excellence. Categories included athletics, ritual, attendance, civic service, scholastics, fundraising, fine arts, conclave participation, and many more.

Each small enameled bar represented accomplishment — but the colors tell an even deeper story. The color progression denoted how many times a member achieved distinction in that category. A white bar signified the first award. Red marked the next level of achievement, and the progression continued upward, culminating in gold after the fifth award. In this way, the bars did not merely recognize participation; they rewarded consistency, improvement, and repeated excellence.

Donated by Arthur W. Pierson in 2023, this pin connects youthful aspiration to a lifetime of service. Pierson was a former DeMolay Dad of the Alexandria-Washington Chapter and a Masonic photographer whose work documented the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Preserved through the generosity of the donor, the pin serves as a tangible reminder of how DeMolay encouraged young men not just to participate, but to continually strive toward excellence — in the Chapter and in life.

Help us preserve this piece of Masonic history—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution, visit https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Collections-Support?brid=FC_ft-XGs8QTZ-_A89TPEQ

Bound for PreservationUnderstanding Manhood in America: Freemasonry's Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine by Robert G....
02/13/2026

Bound for Preservation
Understanding Manhood in America: Freemasonry's Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine by Robert G. Davis (2005)

This book examines the concept of authentic masculinity in the context of American society and argues that Freemasonry provides an enduring framework and path for men to achieve it. The author, a Past Grand Master of Oklahoma, describes Masonic rituals and ceremonies as reflecting the journey of a man's life from childhood to mature masculinity.

The work opens by addressing the perceived poor state of manhood in contemporary America, including distractions from the electronic era and a lack of positive role models for marriage and fatherhood. Davis discusses the challenges and rewards of being a husband and father, emphasizing personal responsibility, work, and perseverance as essential to reaching the "mature masculine."

Davis presents Freemasonry as a rite of passage that connects men to the collective masculine spirit, serving as a moral and initiatory system to foster mature, responsible manhood—essentially a modern embodiment of male mysteries or a structured path to adult masculine responsibilities. He suggests Freemasonry historically evolved to initiate men into understanding their roles as men, including through symbols, lectures, and rituals designed for this purpose.

One of the striking passages from this important book:

"If the fraternal movement is to make a comeback, the men of fraternity must get back to focusing on the true mission of Masonry; and broadening their own connections to what is around them. They need to express who they are on a more intimate level with other men; they should become vested in the support of their fraternal brothers. They need to recognize that they are participants in the raising of the next generation of elders; that their examples can produce men behind them who will lead with honor and integrity; that they are the bridge to their own future. If the Freemasons would truly practice Masonry as both a reflective and active art, they would capture the interest of a sufficient number of American males to give them a collective moral voice in society."

Help us preserve this book—and others like it—for future generations. To make your contribution to our library conservation and expansion efforts, visit
https://113905.blackbaudhosting.com/113905/Library-Collections-Support?brid=t9uB2T36CYbWGIaFbrxJ5g

On Thursday the 5th of February, the national officers of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) visited the Geo...
02/06/2026

On Thursday the 5th of February, the national officers of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) visited the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria in order to lay a wreath at the statue of George Washington. President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage, First Vice President General Kathryn Walker West, Chaplain General Mernie Sams Crane, and many other national and regional leaders of the DAR were able to tour the Memorial and view its many exhibits. It was the Memorial’s honor to host the DAR’s visit during America250!

It was our pleasure to provide a special tour for the Virginia Tech School of Architecture's Alexandria campus, explorin...
01/31/2026

It was our pleasure to provide a special tour for the Virginia Tech School of Architecture's Alexandria campus, exploring in depth the close ties between historic Freemasonry and architecture—and discussing in detail the architectural specifics of the Memorial itself.

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101 Callahan Dr
Alexandria, VA
22301

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(703) 683-2007

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