Make Your Gift to Our Library and Bible Projects Today
Earlier this year, we launched our new fundraising campaign, “Turn the Page”. It has two components: 1) the restoration of our once heralded library; and 2) a new exhibit for the most precious item of our museum artifacts, the Washington Family Bible. It has brought a very good reaction!
A National Masonic Library Reborn
In years gone by, our sixth floor library was highly regarded as a place for students and researchers of Freemasonry to learn about our gentle craft. Now, we will return the library to its earlier status of great respect and admiration. Restoration will include replastering and repainting, renovation of restrooms, acquiring additional shelving to accommodate more volumes, new carpeting, new chairs and refinished, rewired lighted reading tables. Once completed, it is our intention to make the library the premier site for research on Freemasonry, Brother Washington and the York Rite bodies. May we count on you for support of this great effort?
Our Most Sacred Treasure: The George Washington Family Bible
The most precious item in our museum collection is the Washington Family Bible—ordered by the General himself and delivered to Mount Vernon, it was his personal copy. He studied this very Bible frequently during the years he served as President of the United States. Shortly after its arrival, he inscribed his family records within it.
We received the Bible as a gift from the Washington family and have carefully cared for it. But we realize we must do more to assure its continued viability so future generations can see this important piece of history. We have consulted with the Museum of the Bible and the Smithsonian for guidance in this effort. First, the sacred volume of more than 540 pages will be sent for professional conservation in order to repair hundreds of small tears and carefully treat the binding. Upon its return, it will be housed in an extensive new exhibit that is being designed to showcase this important American Bible and its artistry. Its new cabinet will feature protection against UV light and humidity, while the surrounding exhibit will go into detail about Washington’s reliance upon the Bible.
If you are a student of the Bible…of the General and/or the Washington family…if your personal faith is an important factor in your life…if you feel a connection to this time of history…we hope you might consider a gift to help us conserve this priceless connection to our Memorial’s namesake. May we count on you for support of this special effort?
You Can Select How Your Gift Benefits the Memorialk
Use our convenient online donation system to send your support. On the link, there is a place for you to select whether you wish your gift to support the Library Restoration, the George Washington Family Bible exhibit, or both equally.
