The History of the Order of the Eastern Star

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Learn about the history of the Order of Eastern Star, including how it formed through Freemasonry and Prince Hall Freemasonry. Attend Virtually Attend Live Brenda Wilkerson-Monroe Brenda Wilkerson-Monroe is a Past Worthy Matron of Louisa S. Rumford Chapter No. 15 and Grand Historian of Deborah Grand Chapter Order of [...]

Illuminati, Freemasonry and the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: Protecting the Craft

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This presentation will discuss Freemasonry and Illuminati: the real Illuminati, who are long gone, and the fake Illuminati, who never existed and won’t go away. Learn about the psychology of conspiracy theories and why Freemasonry can be such a frequent target of them, as well as ways Masons can respond when accused of being [...]

Let’s Have a New Masonic Temple! A Case Study in Courage and Stewardship

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The presentation will examine the vision, courage and perseverance of Grand Lodge in constructing our “New Masonic Temple” (1865 -1873) in the face of daunting financial risks, inclement weather and unforeseen impediments on the site. It will also explore the covenant of trust placed in future generations of Pennsylvania Freemasons to improve, maintain and preserve [...]

Researching & Writing “Doneraile Court: The Story of The Lady Freemason”

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

In her book, Kathleen Aldworth Foster details the life and times of The Lady Freemason, Elizabeth (St. Leger) Aldworth. Elizabeth's journey with Freemasonry began in the pre-Grand Lodge era and ended when she died in 1773/1775, at the dawning of the American Revolution. During this time, Elizabeth went from her unexpected initiation to being an [...]

Freemasons and ‟The Protocols of the Elders of Zion”

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Protocols, first published in 1905 and still going strong today, purport to describe a fraudulent Jewish plot for world domination with the Freemasons as their unwitting stooges. This talk will delve into the history of this anti-Semitic publication and how Freemasons came to be featured in it. Attend Virtually Attend Live [...]

Shriners Children’s Philadelphia

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

At Shriners Children’s, we are grateful for the vision of the Shriners who led to the creation of our healthcare system. We look forward to a second century of changing and improving the lives of children.Since opening our first hospital in 1922, we have been devoted to providing high quality, specialty medical care to the [...]

Masonic Temple 150th Anniversary Gala

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Come and celebrate the 150th anniversary of one of Philadelphia’s treasured National Historic Landmark buildings. Delicious Food | Captivating Entertainment | Exciting Auctions Proceeds benefit the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, dedicated stewards of our building and the premier fraternal organization in PA for nearly more than 250 years. Purchase Tickets Here [...]

Mozart’s Masonic Opera

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is arguably the most famous classical composer of all time. He composed about 600 pieces of music, some of which were created specifically for Masonic degrees and events. Most people know of his achievements in music, but little is spoken of his Masonic or political life. His final opera, “The Magic [...]

Reconstructing a Late Victorian Templar Uniform Frock

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Unlike their counterparts in Ireland and Great Britain, American Templars wear uniforms inspired by the style of contemporary military uniforms. Following the Civil War, the Grand Encampment set down formal uniform rules that all Grand Commanderies were to follow. These included a knee length frock coat, which would remain a staple of military uniforms [...]

History of the Cornerstone

The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania 1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

What is a cornerstone? Why do we have ceremonies celebrating their placement? Why are Freemasons involved? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be discussing, along with exploring the relics from the Masonic Temple’s cornerstone, placed in 1868. Attend Virtually Attend Live Stephanie Desjardins Stephanie Desjardins has been a [...]