Please introduce yourself. Tell us your name, where you’re from, how long you’ve been an Ohio Mason, your home Lodge, and your role with the Grand Lodge Museum & Library.
My name is RWB Shawn Smith and I’m from the Steubenville, Ohio area and currently reside in Beaver Falls, PA, with my fiancée, Heather, and her two daughters. I have been a Mason in Ohio for just over 19 years. My home lodge is Pilgrim Lodge #691 in Steubenville, where I served as a Past Master (2008) and am currently the Senior Deacon. I also represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio as the District Deputy Grand Master of the 24th Masonic District, which includes Jefferson, Carroll, Columbiana, and Mahoning Counties. I’m part of the History Committee and work at the Grand Lodge Museum and Library as the Curator of Digital Collections.
Tell us about the Grand Lodge Museum & Library. What is its main purpose? How does it add value to Ohio Freemasonry?
The Grand Lodge Museum and Library is located in Rickly Commons on the Springfield Campus of the Ohio Masonic Home, near the Grand Lodge office. The Museum and Library are managed by the Grand Secretary, while the collections are curated by the Grand Historian. They advocate for preserving Ohio’s Masonic history by showcasing a collection of rare and unique artifacts, memorabilia, and publications that date from our state’s origins to the present day.
The Museum and Library enhance the value of Freemasonry by allowing visitors to explore its past and gather insights into the early days of Freemasonry in Ohio and across the country, demonstrating how men from all walks of life are united through fraternalism. They play a crucial role in preserving, educating, and promoting Freemasonry by safeguarding artifacts, regalia, documents, and rare books that highlight the history and evolution of the fraternity. These items help both members and the public understand the fraternity’s traditions, values, and contributions to society.
Additionally, through education and research, The Museum & Library serves as a hub for Freemasons, historians, and scholars. The collection includes rare artifacts, Masonic literature, and historical records that provide insights into the philosophy, symbolism, and influence of the craft across various eras and cultures. By facilitating Public Engagement & Awareness and making parts of the collection accessible to the public, the Museum and Library work to interpret Freemasonry, correct misconceptions, and showcase its role in shaping moral, philosophical, and social ideals.
They also inspire members; visiting the Museum and Library deepens their appreciation for the fraternity’s rich legacy, reinforcing their commitment to its principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement. Finally, by strengthening Masonic identity through archiving rituals, symbols, and historical events, the Museum helps maintain continuity between past and present Masonic practices, ensuring that the fraternity’s teachings remain relevant for future generations.
Why did you and your team choose to digitize the entire collection?
We decided to digitize the entire collection at the museum for several reasons. One of the main factors was that during the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to close the museum to visitors, which left it idle. As a result, both members and the public were unable to visit, explore, or enjoy the collections, leading many people to nearly forget we had a museum and library. Additionally, we looked at other Masonic jurisdictions with museums that maintained an online presence.
Recognizing our incredible collection, we wanted to share it with the community, members, and researchers. Other factors influencing our decision to digitize the entire collection at the Grand Lodge Museum and Library included preservation, accessibility, cataloging and organization, security, engagement and outreach, and research and collaboration with other museums. Physical artifacts, books, and documents naturally degrade over time. Digitization ensures their longevity by creating high-quality digital copies that can be accessed even if the originals deteriorate.
By digitizing the collection, researchers, members, and the public can access historical materials remotely, reducing the need for physical handling of delicate items. A digital archive allows for better categorization and indexing, making it easier to search for and retrieve specific documents, artifacts, or images. Digital records provide a backup in case of natural disasters, theft, or accidental damage to physical items and can be shared through online platforms. This helps engage a wider audience, promote the heritage of Freemasonry, and educate future generations. It enables scholars and historians to study and analyze the collection without geographical constraints, encouraging academic research and collaboration.
How did you get involved with the Museum & Library? Why?
I became involved with the Museum and Library through my love of history and my passion for the fraternity. I am an avid collector of Masonic memorabilia, and one thing I discovered and began collecting was the jewels, medals, and pins from the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. I purchased a few from an antique store and started researching them on eBay and other platforms. However, my research into when they began and why they were created hit a wall.
Interestingly, through various conversations about these jewels with our Grand Secretary, MWB Keith Newton, I was invited to view the collection in the museum. While there, we discussed numerous topics, including my hobby of restoring and preserving artifacts, books, and paper, which led to further conversations and an invitation to assist in the museum and library, eventually placing me as an official member of the Historical Committee and into my current position.
How can Masons support the Museum & Library?
Masons have various ways to support the museum. One of the most significant methods is by visiting the Museum and Library, either in person or online. A few other ways to support the Museum and Library include financial contributions and donations that provide funds for digitization, preservation, and operational costs. Endowments and sponsorships will contribute to long-term funding initiatives. Participating in fundraising events generates revenue for the museum and library. Volunteering as docents and guides helps educate visitors about Masonic history and artifacts.
You can also join the team as an archival assistant to aid in support, digitization, cataloging, and research efforts. Additionally, you can help through artifact and document contributions by donating historical Masonic regalia, documents, or memorabilia to expand the collection. Consider sharing personal, family, and lodge records that hold historical significance, and participating in educational programs that support Masonic history education in lodges and communities.
Finally, promote awareness and encourage visits by bringing fellow Masons, family, and friends to the museum. Consider supporting us on social media by sharing updates and events on social platforms to generate interest.
Do you have a favorite piece from the collection? What is it and why is it your favorite?
Many items in our collection are intriguing, significant, and unknown to most Masons. Several have made it into my top favorite collections, including our extensive Apron collection, the collection of chapter pennies, challenge coins, and other coins. I have to say that the Masonic Pocket Watch collection is my favorite. I’ve always appreciated pocket watches for their beauty, craftsmanship, and engineering. I started collecting them in my teens and have several in my personal collection. I have also begun studying horology, the art and science of measuring time and crafting timekeeping instruments like clocks and watches. I continue to develop my cleaning and repair skills to this day. The Masonic Pocket Watch collection on display is only a part of the entire collection. I hope to clean, repair, and preserve them so I can showcase the full collection one day.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Gifts of historical significance are accepted, based on collection needs, and subject to approval from the Grand Secretary. Donors should reach out to the Grand Lodge to discuss potential donations. Donations of objects and artifacts must be unconditional gifts to the Grand Lodge and are not tax-deductible. Financial contributions are also welcomed and can be directed to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation for the Museum and Library fund. These contributions support the preservation and display of the collection. Depending on your tax situation, a charitable financial donation may be tax-deductible. For more information on how to best support the Museum, please contact the Grand Lodge Office.
Interested in learning more about Masonic artifacts? Read our articles on the Masonic Apron and Masonic Rings!