MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

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Masonic Temple, Library and Museum

1 North Broad Street, directly north of Philadelphia City Hall

Guided tour sponsored by American Studies

Thursday, November 9 at 11:00. Please be there at 10:45; the tour will last approximately one hour. Admission cost is $10.00 per person, providing we have a group of 15 people or more. To purchase ticket go to: https://mapaca.net/store/2017/philad....

The Masonic Temple is an active lodge for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons, established in 1731 as the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.  Along with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and the Grand Lodge of Virginia, it is one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in America and is the largest in terms of membership. Benjamin Franklin was an active member of the Lodge, serving as Warden in 1731 and as Provincial Grand Master in 1734 and again in 1749. 

The imposing building was designed by James H. Windrim in a medieval Norman design and construction was completed in 1873. The breathtaking interior was designed by George Herzog in 1887 and was completed in 1902. Each room has a specific theme modeled after ancient architectural styles of the world. The Masonic Library and Museum holds a vast collection of books and objects important to Masonic traditions and history. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1985.

The tour will take visitors throughout the building and into each spectacular room. The tour guide will give a history of the Masons in Philadelphia, as well as a history of the building. He will also give a brief overview of Masonic traditions and answer any questions you might have. There will be time to peruse the artifacts in the Library and Museum and shop in the gift shop before and after the tour.

Session chair

Mary F. Zawadzki (Salem State University)

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