For those who would like to learn more about Freemasonry and American fraternalism.

While Freemasonry is often acknowledged as the earliest fraternity established in the New World, this distinction also means that Freemasonry was a model for hundreds of groups that followed.  The National Heritage Museum is committed to collecting objects, books and archival materials associated with all forms of fraternalism in America.  These items teach us about the history of these groups, as well as the history of our country.  Exploring the comparisons and contrasts between Freemasonry and other fraternal groups expands our knowledge and understanding of how they – and The Craft – formed and survived (or, in some cases, did not survive). 

Explore the Museum's Online Collection

Online Collection

Short Talk Bulletin

A brief history of the National Heritage Museum

Caring for Your Masonic Treasures

Tips on how to Preserve Documents, Photographs, and Books

Long May She Wave: The 15-Star Flag

Learn about the National Heritage Museum's 15-Star Flag

Interactive Masonic Stained Glass Window

Explore this treasure of the collection virtually to learn about the symbols it shows.

Sculptures at the National Heritage Museum 

Learn about the sculptures at the enterance of the museum

The Northern Light

A selection of articles from The Northern Light by Museum Staff Long May She Wave Manufactured In Ohio Paul Revere The Businessman The Only Tangible Souvenir Unlocking The Code Watch The Birdie Working Together By The Way Celebrate Fashionable Inspiration Good Fellows Neighbors And Mechanics

National Heritage Museum Blog

Click here to access the National Heritage Museum Blog  Read all of our posts about Freemasonry  Read all of our posts about other fraternal groups (Elks, Odd Fellows, etc.)

2010 Symposium:
New Perspectives on American Freemasonry & Fraternalism

The symposium seeks to present the newest research on American fraternal groups from the past through the present day.

Library Catalog

Search the Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives' catalog for books, maps, A-V materials and a growing collection of our journals.

Resources on Anti-Masonry

Bibliographies on Anti-Masonry

Masonic Exhibitions

CURRENT The Initiated Eye Freemasonry Unmasked!: Anti-Masonic Collections in the Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives PAST The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts: Celebrating 275 Years of Brotherhood Visualizing Brotherhood: Masonic and Fraternal Prints Remember Me: Highlights from the National Heritage Museum To Fly to the Aid of Humanity: Benjamin Franklin and the Lodge of Nine Sisters To Build and Sustain:Freemasons in American Community Unlocking the Code: Masonic and Fraternal Aprons George Washington Freemason and Founding Father