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Note: The Memorial is just a block or two from the hotels, so it is perfectly withint walking distance. However, it also sits atop a rather large hill, so it may be uncomfortable walking in formal attire. There is plenty of free parking available at the Memorial. Feel free to stop by the Memorial earlier in the day enjoy a full tour of the facilities. Other than the North Lodge Room during our ceremony, all other rooms of the Memorial will be closed to the public after 4 p.m. The original charter stated the purpose of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association was: "To erect and maintain...a suitable Memorial Temple to George Washington, the Mason; which expresses in durability and beauty the undying esteem of the Freemasons of the United States for him in whose memory it shall stand throughout the coming years." This magnificent structure has done that and more. It was built by more than two million American Freemasons to honor George Washington the preeminent member of the Fraternity. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a combination of all the following: Colossal Memorial and Museum; Tourist Attraction and Destination; Research Center and Library; Center for Community Activities; Performing Arts Center and Concert Hall; Banquet and Celebration Site; Host Location for Visiting Lodges and Masonic Bodies; Meeting Site for Masonic and Appendant Bodies; However, first and foremost, this is a Masonic Memorial, honoring and perpetuating the memory and character of Masonic Brother, George Washington. Freemasonry was already old when a young George Washington became a member in 1752 of the Fredericksburg, Virginia Lodge. He remained a proud member and patron of "The Craft" as Freemasonry is also called his entire life. The Memorial’s mission is to educate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason and Father for Our Country. The Memorial also preserves American Masonic History and informs the public about Masonic affiliated and auxiliary organizations and charities. The Alexandria Masonic Lodge, to which Washington also belonged, began receiving objects from Washington’s family and associates soon after Mrs. Washington’s death in 1802. Desiring a suitable and fireproof Memorial for the Washington artifacts, the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia invited the Grand Lodges from around the country to gather in Alexandria on Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1910. The Memorial Association was formed, construction began in 1923 and the Memorial was dedicated in 1932, the bicentennial of Washington’s birth.
The Memorial is open to the public, daily from from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guided Tower Tours are given daily at 10, 11:30, 1:30 and 3.
Our reception will take place on the second floor of the hotel, in the Windsor Room. When you enter the hotel into the main lobby and atrium, you will see a staircase and elevator leading to the second floor labeled Duke's Restaurant/Windsor Room. This staircase leads you to the door to the Windsor Room (you will pass the Duke's Restaurant entrance). |