Founded in 1979 and funded by the MMCF, the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library is home to an extensive collection of over 6,000 photographs; fine officer jewels; antique Masonic aprons, charts, and carpets; in addition to the largest and most comprehensive collection of rare books on Masonry.
Approximately 600 volumes of rare books came from the collection of James Fairbairn Smith—a well-known Masonic scholar and publisher from Detroit. These valuable books date back to the early 1700s. The museum is also home to many priceless documents including the Archives of Grand Lodge, which traces Masonry back to 1826 when Lewis Cass was the first Grand Master.
The Museum and Library Director, John Wallsteadt, is available to give presentations on historical Michigan Masonic subjects to Lodges and other organizations. Additionally, the museum serves as a working lending library to the public.
Located in a newly renovated and modern building in downtown Grand Rapids, the museum is open to the public Monday–Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday by appointment only.
Read the Director’s vision for the
Masonic Museum.
Masonic Museum and Library
233 East Fulton Avenue
Grand Rapids, Michigan
John Wallsteadt, Director
library@gl-mi.org616-459-9336
888-748-4540
