About Us
The George Washington Inaugural Bible Foundation
The George Washington Inaugural Bible Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to the preservation of American history, education, and the protection of national treasures. Registered with the IRS and the New York State Charities Bureau, our Foundation is a tax-exempt organization eligible to accept tax-deductible contributions. Our mission is focused on preserving and promoting one of the most significant artifacts in American history—the George Washington Bible—and ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Our Mission
At the core of the Foundation’s mission is the protection and preservation of the George Washington Bible, the Bible used by George Washington during his swearing-in ceremony as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. This Bible, also known as the George Washington Inaugural Bible, stands as a powerful symbol of the ideals, values, and vision that helped shape the United States of America.
In addition to safeguarding this cherished artifact, the Foundation seeks to educate the public about the profound historical significance of the George Washington Bible and the broader context of early American history. Through our educational programs and outreach initiatives, we aim to increase public awareness of the Bible’s role in the founding of our nation and encourage a deeper understanding of the principles that guided the formation of the United States.
The Foundation is also committed to the preservation of early American colonial documents and other critical artifacts that contribute to our understanding of America’s birth and early years. These documents are invaluable resources for learning about the country’s founding and provide essential insights into the political, cultural, and historical landscape of the time.
Our Work
Preservation of the George Washington Bible: The centerpiece of our work is the careful preservation of the George Washington Bible. As an enduring symbol of American democracy, we are dedicated to ensuring its protection and longevity for future generations to study and appreciate.
Educational Outreach: We offer a variety of educational programs, exhibits, and resources that bring the story of the George Washington Bible to life. These initiatives help foster a deeper public understanding of the significance of this Bible and its connection to the ideals of liberty and democracy upon which the United States was founded.
Protection of Early American Artifacts: The Foundation is also devoted to preserving other important early American documents and artifacts. These historical items provide critical insights into the early American experience and the evolution of the nation, and we work to protect them for future study and education.
Our Board of Directors
The work of The George Washington Inaugural Bible Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, all of whom are members of St. John’s Lodge No. 1 A.Y.M., the oldest Masonic Lodge in New York. Founded in 1757, St. John’s Lodge has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the founding of the United States, and the values of brotherhood, service, and education embedded in the Masonic tradition are central to the Foundation’s mission.
Your Support
As a 501(c)(3) organization, The George Washington Inaugural Bible Foundation relies on the generosity of donors and supporters to achieve its mission. Your contributions enable us to preserve the George Washington Bible, protect other historically significant artifacts, and provide educational programs that deepen the public’s understanding of early American history. Donations to the Foundation are fully tax-deductible.
We invite you to join us in our mission to safeguard these invaluable pieces of American history and ensure that future generations can continue to learn from the remarkable legacy of the United States’ founding.