An Unusual Wash DC Area Attraction: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Huge statue of George Washington, first floor

Recently we went to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. We've seen it from the Washington DC beltway for the last 10 years and kept saying we wanted to go - well, we finally did and it was interesting!  So, come take a tour with us and learn about Freemasons and this pretty incredible structure that honors George Washington, and has spectacular views of northern Virginia and Washington, DC! 

WHAT IS A FREEMASON? - a member of an international order established for mutual help and fellowship, which holds elaborate secret ceremonies.

9 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT FREEMASONRY (from CBS News)

Rob and Tom at one of the exhibits

(CBS News) "Sunday Morning" looks at the rumors, fears and conspiracy theories sparked by the Freemasons' fraternal order, its secrets and rituals.
1. When meeting, Masons do not discuss religion or politics. 
2. Freemasonry is not a religion.
3. The Catholic Church condemns Freemasonry. 
4. Atheists are not welcome. 
5. Most of the Founding Fathers were NOT Freemasons. 
6. There are NO secret Masonic symbols on the U.S. dollar bill. 
7. The Shriners are Freemasons. 
8. The secret Masonic password originated as a job tool      
9. There is no hidden Masonic code on Rolling Rock beer bottles. 
 

Inside the first floor great hallway

WHAT IS THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL? 
It is a colossal memorial and museum. It is a tourist attraction and destination; research center and library; community center; performing arts center and concert hall; banquet and celebration site; and meeting site for local and countless visiting Masonic lodges and organizations. However, first and foremost, it is a memorial to honor and perpetuate the memory, character and virtues of the man who best exemplifies what Freemasons are and ought to be, Brother George Washington.

George's clock

RECENTLY - The George Washington Masonic National Memorial was  added to the United States government’s official list of National Historic Landmarks.





WHERE IS IT?

Located in Northern Virginia- just inside the Beltway!   It's located at 101 Callahan Drive · Alexandria, Virginia 22301,  Tel. 703-683-2007 ·
Tours Daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Guided tours take about one hour and include rooms on the second floor and floors in the tower, including the observation deck. Tour Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. http://www.gwmemorial.org/ 

View of the Washington Monument from the top (9th) floor

View of Northern Virginia

HISTORY... MANY DECADES TO BUILD:   Charles H. Callahan, who in 1909, while Senior Warden of Alexandria-Washington Lodge, purchased several lots on Shuters Hill, which he gave to the Lodge for the site of a fire proof Lodge Hall. It was the very spot once proposed by Thomas Jefferson as the ideal site for the nation's Capitol. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 5, 1922. On May 12, 1932, the bicentennial year of George Washington's birth, the dedication of the Memorial took place with President Herbert Hoover participating. After World War II, work on the Memorial's interior began in earnest. By 1970, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was completed.