Spring is almost here which is the perfect time to start planning a trip to visit some of the amazing historical towns and cities that the United States has to offer. Freemasonry has made its mark on locations all across the country and there is no better time than now to explore the lasting impression our fraternity’s age-old traditions have had on American buildings, businesses, architecture, and people. Below, we have compiled a list of our top five favorite Masonic places to visit in the U.S to get your bucket list started.
1. The George Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington, D.C
Located near our nation’s capital, the GW Masonic Memorial is a an active Masonic Temple, research library, cultural space, community performing arts center, digital archive and a Masonic museum. Built in the 1920s with the mission to “inspire humanity through education to emulate and promote the virtues, character and vision of George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country,” the memorial stands proud in Alexandria, Virginia. The structure is open to the public for tours, facility rental, and library usage, acting as a strong Masonic pillar of education for those that seek to learn more about the history and heritage of United States Masonry.
2. Masonic Temple and Masonic Library and Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Also known as “one of the great wonders of the Masonic world”, The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia is home to impressive Masonic artifacts, magnificent Lodge rooms and unique architecture. Also located inside this amazing institution is the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania which houses Freemasonry objects, documents, and books and is considered to have one of the finest collections for the study of Freemasonry. Their library archives even possess a book printed in 1489 and their museum has one of Brother George Washington’s aprons! The Temple provides tours Tuesday through Saturday and if you are unable to see the building in person, head over to their website to glimpse the structure in videos and images.
3. Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Oklahoma
The Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma honors the Masonic values of ”study and education, recreation and fellowship, learning and reflection, and charity and compassion.” This grand building holds space for Lodge meetings, Valley reunions, a Masonic museum and Scottish Rite member resources. Public tours of the 14 artistic rooms of the Temple are given year-round and the Temple also includes a virtual tour on their website for those that are unable to travel. Learn more about the history of this structure here.
4. The Masonic in Detroit, Michigan
The Masonic in Detroit, Michigan was built in 1926 by the architectural firm, George Mason and Company and the unique design included three theaters, a Shrine building, the Chapel, eight Lodge rooms, drill hall, two ballrooms, office space, dining rooms, and even a barber shop and bowling lanes. When walking into the building lobby it is easy to see that Mason also had an eye for the arts and he added ornate chandeliers, decorative arches, medallions, and plaster decorations throughout each room. Today, this historic landmark is used for various events such as weddings and concerts and is open to the public for guided tours on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month.
5. Masonic Hall in New York City, New York
Masonic Hall at 23rd St. and 6th Ave. in the heart of Chelsea in New York City spans over an entire city block and has been in operation since 1873. There are two buildings that make up the hall, one for commercial use and one for Masonic use. Many prominent leaders and Freemasons have used the hall since its beginning and today is no different. The Hall is still the home to The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York as well as the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Library and Museum. Both organizations help to further the building’s historical traditions by hosting Lodge meetings, dinners and Masonic events. Free, public tours are held Monday through Saturday and group tours can be made by special arrangement.
Looking for a new Masonic book to read? Check out our guide to 7 must-reads this season.