Spotlight on the Museum of Masonic Culture

On the Second floor of the Grand Lodge building in Trenton sits YOUR Grand Lodge Museum, also known as “The Museum of Masonic Culture”. It is a gem of immense value to the Masonic World, housing items that highlight Freemasonry in New Jersey and from around the world. It shows how our Gentle Craft fits into our Past, our Present and our Future Culture. The Museum will be open during significant Masonic events at the Trenton Temple. Off-time admission to the Library and Museum is by appointment with the Grand Lodge Office in Trenton or our staff (Glenn Visscher – Gvisscher@aol.com)

As members of Grand Lodge of New Jersey, you are also able to visit the Original Masonic Lodge (next to the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple) for tours or usage for meetings and/or Degrees. It is truly a fantastic opportunity to be steeped in Masonic History as you carry out your meetings and degrees. Please contact the Trenton Temple for scheduling.

YOUR Museum hosts a wide variety of Masonic treasures that are historical and Antique in Nature and also some that celebrate our current and Not-so Current Masonic Culture. There is truly something for everyone in the collections of the Museum! We have Masonic maps which lay out East and West Jersey from the 1700’s which sit near a replica of Brother Marquis de Lafayette’s apron. can see the Masonic Petition of President James Buchanan next to a Letter from President John Adams from 1799. Another viewer may enjoy the exhibits featuring our Masonic Appendant Bodies, including Antique kiltie regalia, a growing collection of Grotto Fez & Tall Cedar’s Pyramids, a set of Scottish Rite Degree aprons and ever-growing items from our Masonic youth.

The Museum focuses on Masonic Unity – ALL bodies are honored under the Masonic Family. Come and see the colorful exhibit of over 60 Masonic Aprons from Jurisdictions around the world and an exhibit of Masonic Automobile Emblems which can be seen on all our streets and highways.

There are 2 new exhibits which should catch your eye! In a special exhibit, we display the First Minutes of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, handwritten by MW John Noble Cummings (our first Grand Secretary) and attested by MW David Brearley (our first Grand Master) in 1786. The handwritten document is truly one of a kind, and has been preserved and is displayed next to a section of The White Hall Tavern, formerly of New Brunswick. The Tavern was the location where the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was founded with the assistance of Dr. McKissick.

Nearby, the one of a kind “Fringed” Grand Masters Apron, previously owned by MW Ross Van Ness Bayer, PGM, and the basis for Masonic Urban Legends is on display next to the apron worn by MW David Brearley. Something for everyone!

There are so many items in the attics, closets, basements and boxes in our Lodges. Please contact the Museum & Library if you come across something interesting that you would like to donate or show off. We are a resource for caring and displaying for our Masonic treasures!

We welcome all Masons and Non-Masons to visit and learn from the Museum and Library. Tours are welcomed and encouraged – please contact The Grand Lodge Office or Glenn Visscher (gvisscher@aol.com) for further information.

Glenn T. Visscher

Chair – Library and Museum Committee