The Louis A. Watres Library

Established in 1931 and formally opened in 1952, the Memorial’s Library contains a substantial collection of over 5,000 volumes, including an outstanding selection of Masonic literature and the most complete collection of U.S. Grand Lodges’ and other major Masonic organizations’ annual proceedings available in the world.

Since our grand reopening in 2026, the Library is available to the public and researchers by appointment. Appointments must be made a least 24 hours prior by contacting Director of Collections Tyler E. Vanice (tvanice@gwmemorial.org).

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

Library Exhibit

The Library is home to Garments of Light, a fascinating exhibit of ten American Masonic aprons. This exhibit may be visited by touring the Memorial.

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.