The Washington Apron
This late 18th-century apron was commissioned by Bro. George Washington to give as a gift to his Masonic brother and close military advisor, General Arthur St. Clair. Most likely presented by hand to Bro. St. Clair, the apron has passed through many other hands during its lifetime, including its current owner, Saugatuck Lodge #328, who has it on loan to the museum for all to enjoy.
The Taft Apron
A common cloth apron from 1911 can take on historical significance when it is signed by a sitting U.S. President and Masonic brother, William Howard Taft. This is the apron the President signed after he wore it to attend a special Master Mason degree conferred by Grand Lodge officers of the Grand Lodge of Michigan at Alexandria-Washington Lodge #22, just across the river from Washington, DC.
Past Master's Apron
This antique Past Master’s apron is a great example of the intricate craftsmanship and care that went into the creation of mid-1800s masonic regalia.
Past Grand Master's Jewel
Fifty years after the formation of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, this precious and beautiful Past Grand Master jewel was presented to Most Worshipful Brother Matthew G. Maynard after serving his term as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan in 1876.
Truman Stone
In 1950, U.S. President and devoted Freemason, Harry S. Truman, oversaw a major renovation of the White House, during which many original bricks were removed that were engraved with the mason’s marks of the operative stonemasons who made them. To show his appreciation to the fraternity, Bro. Truman sent a different brick to each Grand Lodge in the United States, including this one received by the Grand Lodge of Michigan.
Signed Gerald R. Ford Football
Michigan’s Bro. Gerald R. Ford was one of fourteen Freemasons to serve as U.S. President, but he was also an accomplished athlete in his younger years. While in college, he played center for the University of Michigan football team, helping the Wolverines achieve two consecutive undefeated seasons in 1932 and 1933. Signing this common football later in life, he added the appropriate mention of being voted Most Valuable Player on the 1934 Wolverine football squad, his senior year.
Masonic Pocketwatch
Freemasons are proud of their affiliation with the fraternity in many ways and sometimes advertise it by wearing a ring or pin with the masonic symbol on it. In the past, it was common to carry a pocket watch decorated with masonic symbols, like this Elgin watch from 1908.
Vermontville Lantern
Masonic lodges are often the social support centers for their communities and they used to let the other citizens know they were gathering together for a meeting by shining a special light or lantern outside their lodge building. This lantern was once used for such a purpose by Vermontville Lodge #232 in the village of Vermontville, Michigan.
Michigan Masonic Museum & Library: 200 Years of Legacy
Since its founding, the Michigan Masonic Museum & Library has been a guardian of tradition, preserving the stories, symbols, and service of Freemasonry in our state. As we mark our 200-year anniversary, we invite you to explore the enduring legacy of Michigan’s Masonic history. Step into history at our home in the heart of Grand Rapids!
233 East Fulton St – Suite 10,
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
To schedule a tour, host a celebration, or collaborate with our team, contact Museum Director Dirk Hughes:
Regular museum hours are:
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10am to 6PM
Wednesday 10am to 6PM
Thursday 12noon to 8PM
Friday 10am to 6PM
Saturday 10am to 6PM