The Louis A. Watres Library

The Louis A. Watres Library is dedicated to the Association’s second president who oversaw the Memorial’s construction.

Opened in 1952, the Library contains a substantial collection of approximately 7,000 volumes, including Masonic literature and U.S. Grand Lodges’ and other major Masonic organizations’ annual Proceedings.

The Library is available to the public and researchers by appointment only. Appointments must be made a least 24 hours prior.

Donating Items to the Library

The staff are happy to consider all books and publications for potential donation. Such offers are reviewed according to several factors, including duplication, ownership, and provenance. Most importantly, all potential donations fall within the Library’s primary collections area of George Washington, American Freemasonry, and the history of the Memorial Association.

The Memorial reserves the right to refuse any gift or bequest it deems inappropriate or not in the best interest of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

The Memorial is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are fully tax deductible within IRS guidelines. Federal law prevents the Memorial from providing appraisal values for donated items. Donors are responsible for appraisals of value.

If you wish to donate materials to the Library, or make an appointment to use the Library, please contact Mark A. Tabbert, the Director of Archives and Exhibits, at mtabbert@gwmemorial.org. Digital images of potential donation materials are appreciated.