Freemasonry was already old when a young George Washington became a member in 1752 of the Fredericksburg, Virginia Lodge. He remained a proud member and patron of “The Craft” – as Freemasonry is also called – his entire life. The Memorial’s mission is to educate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and Father for Our Country. The Memorial also preserves American Masonic History and informs the public about Masonic affiliated and auxiliary organizations and charities.

The Alexandria Masonic Lodge, to which Washington also belonged, began receiving objects from Washington’s family and associates soon after Mrs. Washington’s death in 1802. Desiring a suitable and fireproof Memorial for the Washington artifacts, the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia invited the Grand Lodges from around the country to gather in Alexandria on Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1910. The Memorial Association was formed, construction began in 1923 and the Memorial was dedicated in 1932, the bicentennial of Washington’s birth.