Previous Media Mentions and Travels

The Foundation is presently undergoing a significant research project into the entire history of the George Washington Inaugural Bible and its use throughout literally American history.  The Bible has played a large role in many important events throughout time that many citizens are unaware of.  Here is but a small sample and we will continue to refresh this page as we uncover more history.  

• 1770 Donated to St. John's Lodge by Jonathan Hampton.

• 1787 Used in the first Inauguration by President George Washington.

• 1793 Used in the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol Building by George Washington.

• 1799 Present at the funeral procession of President George Washington.

• 1850 Present at the funeral ceremonies for President Zachary Taylor.

• 1865 Present at City Hall in New York City as President Abraham Lincoln lie in state.

• 1867 Viewed by President Andrew Johnson in Boston, MA.

• 1867 Used in the dedication of the Grand Lodge Building in Boston, MA.

• 1869 Used in the dedication of the Grand Lodge Building in Philadelphia, PA.

• 1874 Used by His Royal Highness King David Kalakaua of Hawaii after taking his Third Degree Obligation.

• 1884 Present at the cornerstone laying of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

• 1885 Used in the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument in 1885.

• 1890 Used in the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Arch in New York City.

• 1919 Viewed by Edward, Prince of Wales (Later King Edward VIII) when he was visiting New York and he was presented with a miniature for his collection. He signed a second copy which is in possession of the Lodge.

• 1921 Used in the Inauguration of President Warren Harding.

• 1923 The laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Masonic Memorial Building in Alexandria, VA.

• 1953 Used in the Inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

• 1964 Displayed at the prominent World's Fair in Queens, New York.

• 1973 Displayed at the White House during the second Inauguration of President Richard M. Nixon.

• 1977 Used in the Inauguration of President James E. Carter.

• 1989 Used in the Inauguration of President George H.W. Bush.

• 1993 Used in the re-dedication of the cornerstone laying of the Capitol Building.

• 1998 Used in the re-dedication of the cornerstone laying of the Washington Monument.

• 2001 Brought to Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration of George W. Bush but not used due to inclement weather.

• 2017 Brought to the National Archives Building in Washington, DC to commemorate the Presidential Inauguration.

• 2017 Brought to the Smithsonian Museum of American History as part of their Religion in Early America exhibit and events.

• 2023 Displayed at the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, VA.