This exciting exhibition marks the 60th anniversary of sharing the amazing story of the Shriners of North America and Shriners Hospitals for Children with visitors to The George Washington Masonic National Memorial. The all-new 4,000 square foot exhibit is made up of three rooms and features five audio visual displays, which offer insights into the history of the fun-loving fraternity, and what many call the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children. As this new exhibition evolves, visitors are encouraged to return to the Memorial to experience the new additions.

Shrine Theater

The guided tour begins in the Shrine Theater. Visitors start by watching a cinema-styled presentation explaining the history of the Shriners of North America.

One wall of the room features a colorful mural that symbolically depicts a pilgrimage to Mecca -- a theatrical theme of Shriners striving for perfection. Numerous displays are located in the room, including photographs of the current Shriners Imperial Divan and Past Imperial Potentates, or Presidents of the Shrine fraternity, Fezzes (hats) representing all 191 Shrine Temples are encased in glass, and an exhibit of artifacts dating back to 1876 and the creation of the Shrine.

Shriners Hospitals for Children Room

A life-size replica of the Shriners' famous "Editorial Without Words" statue greets visitors at the entrance to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Room. The statue of a Shriner carrying a little girl in one arm, and her crutches in the other, has become the international symbol for Shriners Hospitals. It conveys the Shriners' strong belief that no child shall walk alone.

Behind the statue stands the domed, 20-foot model of an animated Shrine parade. This newly-restored display originated with the first Shriners exhibit in the Memorial and holds fond memories for anyone who ever experienced a Shrine parade as a child or as an adult.

The room is divided into display areas featuring the different types of care provided at Shriners Hospitals for Children. Each section features an array of photos and will include a large screen presentations of specialized research and treatment provided at Shriners Hospitals for orthopedic, burn and spinal cord treatment and rehabilitation.

Independence Square Room

Often referred to as the "Children's Room," this area features a replica of Independence Square, a popular feature at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital, where orthopedic and spinal cord injury patients use "town square" stores to learn everyday skills outside the hospital. In the center of the room is a large tree with a circular bench surrounding the mighty trunk that captures the spirit of the room. All 22 Shriners Hospitals encourage patients to become "independent" citizens, and many Shriners Hospitals feature similar patient programs.

Visitors can sit in a wheelchair and experience firsthand what it feels like to navigate over various surfaces. Several large pictures depict children using rehabilitation facilities at the Shriners Hospitals. Shriners Hospitals have always been dedicated to not only treating the physical needs of the children, but also helping them lead fulfilling lives after leaving the Shriners Hospitals.