This outreach event took place at the Alexandria Washington Lodge No. 22 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. On June 16, WCG volunteers assessed and rehoused 73 artifacts, including three paintings, which were assessed, stabilized, and given new backings. The assessments will be used by the lodge to plan future preservation efforts. The success of the project was due to an initial planning day, when five experts in the conservation of paintings, paper, textiles and objects went to assess pre-selected artifacts from the collection, and served as team leaders for the planning and execution of the volunteer day. Three members of the lodge, plus the experts and four additional conservators from WCG, examined treasured artifacts and determined what would be necessary to rehouse these artifacts and what would be possible to do with volunteers. They also went through storage areas to select additional projects to do on the all-volunteer day.

The Archivist for the Lodge, who worked closely with the Angels Project Coordinator to carry out the project, said the following about the outcome of the project: “It was extremely positive and I can’t thank you enough for all you and the group have done to make it happen.  Some 70 objects rehoused and three paintings stabilized, in addition to the condition assessments and recommendations.  Beyond that, I really think it gave many of the lodge members who attended (some of whom are new to the lodge) a real insight into what goes into preserving collections, the expertise needed, and provided them with a real sense of stewardship that I hope they will sustain going forward.  Thank you again very much.”