Curiosities of the Craft (GL Museum Book)

Wonderful Book on the Grand Lodge Museum Collection

This hard-cover, four-color publication features 288 pages worth of pictures, texts, and stories that tell the story of Freemasonry in Massachusetts since 1733.
 
Published cooperatively by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, this lavishly illustrated volume will be enjoyed by Freemasons around the world, as well as by scholars, curators, and collectors.
 
On July 30, 1733, Henry Price (1697-1780), appointed by the Grand Lodge of England, gathered his Masonic brothers at a Boston tavern and formed what would become known as the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts.  Over the following 280 years, the Grand Lodge withstood wars, anti-Masonic sentiment and fires.  At the same time, the Grand Lodge amassed a collection of Masonic and historic objects, mementos and documents that tell not only its story, but also the story of Boston, New England and the United States.
 
Drawing on new research by authors Aimee E. Newell, Hilary Anderson Stelling and Catherine Compton Swanson, the book includes over 130 highlights from the Grand Lodge collection of more than 10,000 items acquired since 1733.  These objects represent the rich heritage of Freemasonry in Massachusetts and tell stories of life in the fraternity, in the state and around the world.  Some items were made or used by Massachusetts Masons, while others have associations with famous American Freemasons, such as George Washington (1732-1799) and Paul Revere (1734-1818).
 
Introduced with a history of the Grand Lodge collection, the catalog treats the themes of Traditions and Roots, Ritual and Ceremony, Gifts and Charity, Brotherhood and Community, and Memory and Commemoration.  Through the treasures of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts collection, this publication explores the ordinary men, craftsmen and extraordinary leaders who built and sustained Freemasonry in Massachusetts for centuries.
 
SPECIAL PRICE (2018): The collection is available for purchase for $20.00 (includes tax but not shipping).  Contact the Supply department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name, address, and the number of books you would like to purchase in order to get the shipping and handling cost calculated.
 
February 2018