The Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library
There is little doubt that modern Freemasonry began in Scotland as evidenced by the existence of 16th century Lodge records. Freemasonry therefore began in Scotland and spread across the world as part of the Scottish Diaspora.
Scottish Lodges are present in 47 countries across the world and by this means Scottish values of equality, egalitarianism, tolerance and other Scottish cultural values are transmitted all over the world. Scottish Lodges exist in such diverse places as Fiji, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Canada, Belgium and Malta. This ‘list’ does not take account of Scotland Lodges which used to be Scottish but have since transferred to other Grand Lodges. Examples are Lodges in Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Russia, Italy, France, Spain and many, many others.
Associated with these Lodges were men now recognised as being instrumental in the improvement of the human condition. Examples are: Paul Revere, George Washington, James Watt, Thomas Telford, Robert Burns, Alexander Fleming and James Young Simpson to name but a few.
The Museum and Library at Freemasons’ Hall includes the membership archive which is comprehensive since 1736 and fragmentary from 1599 to 1736.
The Museum, although small, displays a huge diversity of material – ceramics, jewellery, glassware, books, oils, regalia, silverware, timepieces (pocket watches and long-case clocks), jewels (medals), snuff boxes, scrimshaw work, and items which belonged to famous Freemasons. The collection can best be described as eclectic and the only linking theme is Freemasonry. Individual Freemasons would decorate almost anything with Masonic symbolism. The collection is increased by donation and it is rare for the Museum to purchase items no matter how interesting they may be. This independent Museum is the only one dedicated to presenting Scottish Freemasonry. Due to the increased interest in Freemasonry, in particular the Scottish version of Freemasonry, created by popular books such as the Da Vinci Code etc. special arrangements have been made to cope with the increased visitor numbers. Guided tours are now therefore available at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm when the building is open. Groups of more than 15 are requested to contact the office in order that special arrangements can be made. It is also recommended that you call the office (0131 225 5577) to ensure that tours will be available when you intend to visit, especially before undertaking a long journey. All tours are available to members of the public.
The Curator is happy, within the constraints of time, to provide information relating to Freemasonry, the identification of possible Masonic objects and to supply information on prominent Freemasons.
Contained within the Museum is the Morison Collection. This ‘star in the crown’ is a collection of in excess of 2000 books mainly in French from the early 17th century to the 19th century. The collection was brought together by a Scottish Freemason who resided in Paris during the mid-19th century and was donated to the Grand Lodge of Scotland on his death by his widow. Access to the collection is available to bona fide researchers only on provision of academic credentials.
The Library, which is an adjunct to the Museum, is also best described as ‘eclectic’ and is certainly not presented as a ‘normal’ library. Instead the Library in Freemasons’ Hall is displayed by geographic location. For examples some shelves are dedicated entirely to the USA, others to England and others to European countries. Like the Morison Collection the main Library houses many rare books and for that reason consultation is for reference only.
The membership archive commences in 1736 and everyone who became a Freemason in a Scottish Lodge is listed initially by Lodge and then chronologically. The records are not computerised. Searching the records for a particular individual is undertaken buy the staff at Freemasons’ Hall and can be a lengthy process. Anyone seeking information regarding their forebears membership of Scottish Freemasonry is asked to supply as much information regarding the individual as is possible.
Opening Hours
09.00 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturdays and Sundays (except by special arrangement) and public holidays.
Closing Day(s)
- Sat
- Sun
Contact
The Grand Lodge of Scotland Museum and Library
96 George Street
Edinburgh
Midlothian
EH2 3DH
Great Britain
Tel: +44 (1312) 255577
Fax: +44 (0)131 225 3953
E-Mail: curator@grandlodgescotland.org
WWW: http://wwwgrandlodgescotland.com
