The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania has approved funding for the 2000-2001 maintenance activities associated with the organization s ongoing commitment to preserve the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Preservation requires constant vigilance and incremental remedial tweaking, said Tim Long, the park s historical architect. It s just like our bodies. Buildings and bodies all deteriorate with time.
Preservation is the management of change over time.
The Masons of Pennsylvania recognized the need for thorough study and preservation of the Arch. They were also convinced that preservation includes ongoing monitoring and periodic preservation interventions to keep the structure from sliding into another state of disrepair. In the next few weeks, these efforts to maintain the Arch will become very visible to the visiting public. Immediate work identified consists of replacement of gravel beneath six granite benches. More appropriate and durable granite pavers will replace the gravel.