George Washington Masonic National Memorial

What George Washington Masonic National Memorial does

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that owns and operates a nine-story, 333-foot neoclassical memorial on a 36-acre campus in Alexandria, Virginia (101 Callahan Drive), designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 2015. Founded in 1910 by representatives of 26 Grand Lodges and dedicated in 1932 during George Washington's bicentennial, the Memorial serves two principal audiences: general public visitors touring the museum (Memorial Hall, the George Washington Museum on the 4th floor, the Family of Freemasonry exhibit, the Freemasons at War exhibit, the Knight Templar Chapel, Replica Lodge Room, and the Observation Deck), and the American Masonic community, for whom it functions as a national heritage, archival, and convening institution. Core offerings include guided in-person tours ($20 admission, free for children 12 and under), an online virtual tour platform, the Masonic Digital Archives (an LUNA Imaging-powered repository of digitized proceedings from all 50 US Grand Lodges plus DC, with a $200/year per-jurisdiction subscription renewal), the Louis A. Watres Library (~7,000 volumes of Masonic literature, by-appointment access), facility rentals across multiple event spaces (including a ~400-seat theater featured in National Treasure 2), a gift shop, and the Flags Over the Memorial e-commerce program. Revenue is diversified across donations (Seal the Envelope $2.5M restoration campaign, donor tiers from $500 to $1M+), per-capita contributions from 38+ Supporting Grand Lodges at $1/member/year, the George Washington Memorial Society (Life $5,000; Regular $1,000 + $250/year), the Society of Washington Lodges (130+ member lodges at $2,500), admissions, facility rentals, and merchandise. Marketing is driven by event-driven GTM — a multi-channel mix spanning the gwmemorial.org website, social media, the LIGHT newsletter, virtual programming, ambassador networks in all 50 states, and direct partnerships with Grand Lodges domestically (50 states + DC) and internationally (Canada and UK).

Name

George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Legal name

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, Inc.

Website

https://gwmemorial.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum and National Historic Landmark in Alexandria, Virginia, serving general public visitors and the American Masonic community through guided tours, archival research, historic event rentals, and donor programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Historical Museum and Cultural Center

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Historical Sites (712120), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121), Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

History Museums (THAJADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Monuments, Statues & Memorials (THAJACAB), Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Historical museum tours
• Masonic heritage exhibits
• Digital research archives
• Historic event venues
• Educational cultural programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Admission Fees: Visitors pay admission to tour the Memorial museum and exhibits. General admission is $20 per person with free entry for children 12 and under.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, lodges, and organizations supporting Memorial operations and restoration campaigns. Includes Seal the Envelope campaign targeting $2,500,000 for restoration work.
3. Facility Rental: Rental revenue from hosting events in Grand Masonic Hall, Memorial Theater, Memorial Hall, North Lodge Room, Conference Room, and other event spaces. The 400-seat theater was featured in National Treasure 2 movie filming.
4. Flag Sales: Sale of flags flown over the Memorial, priced at $250 each in various sizes (3x5 and 4x6 feet), available in traditional and Betsy Ross designs.
5. Digital Archives Subscription: Annual subscription of $200 for maintaining and updating online access to Masonic proceedings collections for each jurisdiction.
6. Membership Programs: George Washington Memorial Society offers Life Membership ($5,000) and Regular Membership ($1,000 initial, $250/year renewal). Society of Washington Lodges requires one-time $2,500 donation for member lodge status.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial operates a nine-story neoclassical museum and cultural center in Alexandria, Virginia, offering guided in-person tours, immersive virtual tours, permanent and special exhibits on George Washington and American Freemasonry, the Masonic Digital Archives, and the Louis A. Watres research library. It also rents historic event spaces, sells commemorative flags flown over the Memorial, and offers membership and donor recognition programs for individuals and Masonic lodges.

Product overview

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a nonprofit museum and memorial dedicated to preserving the history of Freemasonry and George Washington's role in the fraternity. The Memorial offers in-person guided tours and virtual tours of its nine-story neoclassical building, featuring multiple exhibits including Memorial Hall, the George Washington Museum, the Family of Freemasonry exhibit, Freemasons at War exhibit, Knight Templar Chapel, and the Observation Deck. The institution operates the Masonic Digital Archives (an online database of digitized Masonic proceedings), the Louis A. Watres Library (research collection of approximately 7,000 volumes), and publishes the LIGHT newsletter. The Memorial also provides facility rental services for events, sells commemorative flags flown over the Memorial, accepts museum artifact donations, and operates a gift shop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Memorial Guided Tours Approximately one-hour guided in-person tours of the Memorial building and exhibits, offered Monday and Thursday through Sunday at scheduled times for a $20 per person admission fee, with children 12 and under admitted free.
• Virtual Tour Experience Online interactive virtual tour covering Memorial Hall, Replica Lodge Room, Family of Freemasonry exhibit, George Washington Museum, Templar Chapel, Observation Deck, and other spaces, accessible via computer or VR headset for remote visitors.
• Masonic Digital Archives Online searchable database of digitized United States Masonic proceedings from Grand Lodges, Grand Royal Arch Chapters, Grand Cryptic Councils, and Grand Knights Templar Commanderies, with collection search and BookReader functionality powered by the LUNA imaging platform.
• Facility Rental for Events Rental of historic Memorial event spaces including Grand Masonic Hall, Memorial Theater (nearly 400 seats), Memorial Hall, North Lodge Room, South Lodge Room, Conference Room, Andrew Jackson Room, Portico and Terrace, and the Observation Deck for weddings, corporate events, performances, seminars, and film production.
• Flags Over the Memorial Sale of American-made flags that have been flown over the Memorial at $250 each, available in 3x5 and 4x6 foot sizes in traditional USA or Betsy Ross designs, supplied by Allegiance Flag Supply.
• George Washington Memorial Society Membership Membership program for individuals with Life Membership at a $5,000 one-time donation and Regular Membership at $1,000 initial contribution plus $250 annual renewal, providing ongoing support to the Memorial endowment.
• Society of Washington Lodges Membership program for Masonic lodges requiring a one-time $2,500 donation, including a hand-finished patent and a specially-commissioned Society jewel; over 130 member lodges from across the United States and internationally participate.
• Digital Archives Annual Renewal Annual $200 subscription that maintains and updates online access to Masonic proceedings collections for a specific jurisdiction, active until December 31 of each year.
• Freemasons at War Exhibit Special second-floor exhibit exploring the relationship between Freemasonry and American military service from the nation's founding to present day, displaying artifacts including equipment, weaponry, service medals, and personal items of Masonic veterans.

Quantifiable outcome

• National Historic Landmark designation in 2015 - recognized as among boldest attempts by a private organization to memorialize George Washington
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• National Sojourners, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Collaboration partner for Freemasons at War special exhibit revealing the relationship between Freemasonry and American military service from founding to present. Exhibit features artifacts from Revolutionary War through modern conflicts.
• Foundation for Collingwood Library and Museum on AmericanismcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2026Collaboration partner for Freemasons at War exhibit, working together with National Sojourners to create comprehensive display of Masonic military service history.
• Olmsted BrothersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned landscape architecture firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted (designer of Central Park, US Capitol grounds, Biltmore Estate). Designed Memorial grounds; work performed by employee Carl Rust Parker.
• Allegiance Flag SupplyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Flags Over the Memorial program providing American-made flags that are flown over the Memorial and sold to lodges and Masonic temples. Supplier of 'American sewn, American flown' flags.
• Grand Lodges of the United StatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner50 Grand Lodges from all US states plus DC as member organizations. 38+ Grand Lodges provide annual $1 per member contributions as Supporting Grand Lodges. Member Grand Lodges participate in governance and programming.
• Grand Lodges of Canada and United KingdomcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Masonic Grand Lodges including Grand Lodge of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Scotland, Ireland, and United Grand Lodge of England. Linked through Member Grand Lodges page and archival partnerships.
• Mark TabbertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuthor of 'A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry' (2022), featured as definitive account of Brother Washington's Masonic membership. Available through Memorial gift shop.
• Allyn CoxmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrother Allyn Cox created magnificent murals in Memorial Hall depicting Washington's military and presidential moments, and designed stained glass windows in the Knight Templar Chapel (dedicated 1957).

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Heritage Museum (Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library): Museum and library operated by the Scottish Rite Masons in Lexington, MA, preserving American Masonic history and culture. Comparable function as a Masonic-focused museum with a research library and educational programming aimed at Freemasons and the general public.
• Grand Lodge of Ohio Museum: State-level Masonic museum operated by a U.S. Grand Lodge, maintaining collections of Masonic artifacts and historical documents. Comparable as a peer Masonic institution with parallel mission of preserving and exhibiting Masonic heritage for members and the public.
• Mount Vernon: George Washington's estate operated as a historic house museum in Virginia. Directly comparable as a Washington-focused historic site in the DC area charging admission fees, offering tours, events, and educational programming for heritage tourists.
• House of the Temple: Headquarters of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Washington, D.C. Also a National Historic Landmark serving as a Masonic heritage site, museum, and event venue — directly comparable to the Memorial's role and audience.

Broad incumbents

• Library of Congress: National library and research institution providing public access to historical documents and archives. Comparable as a heritage archive and research resource, particularly relevant to the Memorial's Masonic Digital Archives and Louis A. Watres Library offerings.
• Smithsonian National Museum of American History: National museum dedicated to American history located in Washington, D.C. Broad incumbent offering overlapping educational programming on American history and culture, including artifacts and exhibits relevant to the founding era.
• National Archives Museum: Federal institution housing the founding documents and historical records of the United States. Overlaps as a DC-area destination for heritage tourism and a steward of primary historical source materials, similar to the Memorial's archival mission.
• Colonial Williamsburg: Living-history museum and historic site in Virginia preserving colonial American history. Comparable as a Virginia-based historic attraction combining museum exhibits, educational programming, and ticketed visitor experiences in an immersive heritage setting.

Regional players

• Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial: National Park Service historic site memorializing Robert E. Lee in Arlington, VA. Comparable as a regionally-focused memorial site in the DC area combining historic house preservation, exhibits, and visitor programming for heritage tourists.

Others

• National Treasure tour sites (e.g., Library of Congress, National Archives): Other National Treasure film locations and DC-area cultural institutions share similar visitor demographics seeking iconic American heritage experiences, though they do not directly compete on Masonic or Washington-specific content.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GWMNM
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@gwmasonic
• Facebookfacebook.com/gwmemorial
• Instagraminstagram.com/gwmemorial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/george-washington-masonic-national-memorial

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about George Washington Masonic National Memorial