The Minnesota Mansonic Historical Society and Museum
The First Ten Years

In his 1993 report of the Grand Lodge Historical and Archival Committee, Chairman Charles W. Nelson stressed the need to "get the message out" regarding the significance of Minnesota's Masonic heritage and the need to develop adequate and professional means to preserve it. To this end, the Committee proposed the founding of a museum where collections of historic documents and artifacts could be preserved and made available to Masonic scholars and the public alike. The Committee well realized the ambition of this proposal and concluded that to achieve its goal; great efforts would be required from a variety of sources. The 1993 report proclaimed, "And finally, to come to fruition, the museum must have the support of Minnesota's Masons. The commitment will require not only the donation of historical items, but also the funding and staffing of the program to protect these items for future generations. At this stage, it is beyond the scope of the Committee to speculate on where and when these needs will be met." 

Working closely with and heartily encouraged by R.W.B. Rodney M. Larson, Deputy Grand Master, the Committee met with Field Services Director, David W. Nystuen of the Minnesota Historical Society in mid-summer to investigate the feasibility of developing and incorporating a museum program. The Society was enthusiastic in providing copies of sample articles of incorporation, bylaws, collections policies, and organizational manuals. The Society further suggested that the Committee, under direction of the Grand Lodge, prepare documents to incorporate a MINNESOTA MASONIC HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM (MMHSM) as a 501(c) (3) corporation. This status would make the MMHSM eligible to receive grants and technical assistance not available to private, special interest undertakings. The MMHSM, to qualify, would be open to the public. Initially, the Committee approached this requirement with caution, but soon realized that public exposure and participation was consistent with the promotion of the Masonic Fraternity and its tenets through education.

Several drafts of articles of incorporation and bylaws were prepared, reviewed, and revised to address the manner in which the mission of the MMHSM would be accomplished. Reviews were conducted by Minnesota Historical Society staff, the Committee, and representatives of the Grand Lodge. Committee Chairman W.B. Charles W. Nelson presented the draft articles and bylaws to the Grand Lodge Board of Corporate Trustees on 20 November 1993. The Board enthusiastically approved the formation of the MMHSM and authorized the Committee to finalize documents for incorporation. These final documents were delivered to the Grand Lodge in January 1994.

The final draft of the articles of incorporation for the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum states the mission which all wholeheartedly endorsed:

"This organization is formed exclusively for the purpose of collection, preservation, and dissemination of historical knowledge about Masonry in Minnesota, and its concordant, antecedent, descendent, and derivative organizations, their members, programs and philanthropies, architecture, art, and literature."

The 1994 Report of the Historical and Archival Committee dealt with the planning efforts and steps taken to draft Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for the new Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum. Most Worshipful Grand Master Warren K. Clark and other incorporating officers of the Grand Lodge signed the final draft of these documents on 5 March 1994. Further discussion on relevant procedural matters took place at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge held in April of 1994 in Rochester, Minnesota. At this time, also, W.B. Charles W. Nelson, Chairman of the Historical and Archival Committee made a presentation concerning the purposes and needs of the MMHSM to interested brethren.

An application for Certificate of Incorporation was made to the Secretary of State, and status for the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum, Corporate Charter 1K-915, Chapter 317K, was issued on 14 July 1994. Application for non-profit 501-c-3 status was filed and granted.

Preparations for a fundraising campaign were initiated and an agreement drafted with Affinity Marketing Associates of Devon, Pennsylvania, to produce a lapel pin for distribution. Two articles introducing the MMHSM and the campaign were published in the MINNESOTA MASON. The design for the pin was inspired by the entrance portal of the former Cataract Masonic Temple in Minneapolis, the last of the "grand architectural edifices" constructed for the fraternity in the early 1920's. The pin depicts two operative craftsmen with working tools fashioning the square and compasses from the rough ashlar. Embossed upon the pin is the motto: "BUILDING UPON OUR HERITAGE." Voluntary donations through the pin campaign provided working funds to establish the first programs of the MMHSM.

The first meeting of the newly incorporated Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum was held at the office of the Grand Lodge in Saint Paul, Minnesota, at 5:00pm on Saturday, 28 January 1995. The purpose of the meeting was selection of officers and committees to serve the MMHSM during its most important formative period. Selected was MWB Rodney M. Larson as president, WB Dexter C. Pehle as vice president, WB Gregory Lane as treasurer, RWB Raymond E. Schlemmer as secretary, and WB Duane Anderson as education officer. WB Charles W. Nelson was appointed as executive director. Committees were appointed to address matters of developing a collections policy, exhibits, programs and communications, and selection of an appropriate and accessible location for the MMHSM. Each committee has been charged with developing short and long-range plans. An advisory committee consisting of professionals in various fields of history, conservation, and interpretation would also be created to serve as technical advisors as needed.

In accordance with the Bylaws of the MMHSM, the Board of Trustees is comprised of representatives from the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M., Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,  Prince Hall Masons, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Order of DeMolay, Daughters of the Nile, Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Job's Daughters, Order of the Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Grotto, and representatives of the general membership of the MMHSM. To qualify as a member of the board, one need not be a member of a Masonic or affiliated organization; one needs only to express a strong interest in the history of Minnesota Masonic history and indicate a willingness to serve. In this manner, members of the public may participate in the activities of the MMHSM. 

In its first year, the MMHSM found a home at the Saint Paul Masonic Center, 200 East Plato Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. In a joint project with the Saint Paul Valley of the Scottish Rite, the MMHSM began updating the catalog and collection of the Scottish Rite Library, integrating the collections of individual donors and the Grand Lodge into this fine resource with the intention that the Library would eventually be made available to scholars.

Secure storage for museum collections was provided and donations of historical items were solicited and accepted. Committees were established for Collections, Exhibits, Publicity, and Membership. Official MMHSM stationery was printed. The letterhead incorporates the motto of the MMHSM "Building Upon Our Heritage."

One of MMHSMís most successful outreach programs, the traveling exhibit was introduced at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in Saint Cloud in 1995. It was exceptionally well received and a generated numerous inquiries about the MMHSM and membership.

A video tape documenting the Pipestone Masonic Murals and the accompanying narrative by Past Grand Master Verne Long was made in the fall of 1995. The response to this encouraged the MMHSM to plan for the production of other educational video programs on Minnesota Masonic subjects in the future. In addition, bimonthly articles were published in the MINNESOTA MASON. These articles covered subjects including Masonic history, architecture, philosophy, collections, and program needs. 

A collections policy was developed during that first year which is currently in effect. Significant early additions to the MMHSM collections included library donations and documents, English Masonic regalia, 19th century Odd Fellows apron and collar, Prince Hall Grand Master's apron, early Knights Templar uniforms and paraphernalia, Masonic symbols on etched glass, ballot box with handmade clay balls, low twelve chime, 19th century Blue Lodge jewels and aprons, centennial celebration programs, lodge histories, and a woven symbolic rug. (All items such as these are subjected to an intensive program of evaluation and cataloging, after which they are placed in secure storage or identified for exhibit.)

In 1996, the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum launched the Oral History Project. Twenty participants, including LEO's and MMHSM members, attended a workshop at the Saint Paul Masonic Center on Wednesday, July 31, 1996. David W. Nystuen, Director of Field Programs for the Minnesota Historical Society, conducted the workshop. Some of the matters discussed in detail at the workshop were the proper format and attitude for conducting an oral interview. Developing a technique for identifying significant topics for discussion and establishing a relaxed atmosphere between the informant and the interviewer are just two of the primary challenges in such an information gathering process. Further, the interviewer must be able to be flexible in asking questions which not only keep the dialogue moving, but also provide leads to information which places the informant's story in historical context. When the interview is completed, it must be transcribed into paper form and the tape properly catalogued and preserved. Participants learned that there is much more to oral history than just turning on a tape recorder!

In 1997, the MMHSM was a major contributor to the production of the exhibit Theatre of the Fraternity: Staging the Ritual Space of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1896-1929, which debuted at the Frederick Weisman Art Museum in conjunction with the National Masonic Expo in Minneapolis in October. A number of items from the MMHSM collections were included in the exhibit and which traveled to four other cities across the United States during the next two years. Further, a lecture series titled Lodge Nights associated with the exhibit offered an opportunity for MMHSM Executive Director Charles W. Nelson to present an illustrated lecture on the Architecture and Symbolism of Freemasonry. In November, the MMHSM hosted a special invitation Members Night at the Weisman Art Museum to allow its members a special opportunity to view the exhibit and hear a presentation by Dr. C. Lance Brockman, exhibit curator.

With the beginning of the 1997 calendar year, the MMHSM instituted a membership dues structure. Yearly memberships include Active members at $10 and Lodge or Organization members at $25. Life membership is $150 and Benefactor is $500. 

In 1998, to promote historic preservation in Minnesota, the MMHSM co-sponsored the nomination of the exquisite Winona Masonic Temple to the National Register of Historic Places, and staffed a two-day interpretive program at the temple during the Winona Victorian Fair. The MMHSM continues to advise the Winona Temple Association and a number of other Masonic organizations/lodges in the care and protection of a variety of important artifacts such as stage drops, costumes, and paraphernalia. 

Workshops were conducted for MMHSM board members as parts of the May through September 1999 monthly board meetings to address matters of board responsibilities and conduct and as part of a strategic planning process. Individual training packets were distributed to each board member; these packets provide materials on conflicts of interest, mission assessment, program development, goals and strategies identification, roles and duties of officers and board members, and general governance. During the May workshop, emphasis was placed on identification of current attitudes within and without the MMHSM in regard to program and services. Participants identified MMHSM strengths and weaknesses, competitors and allies, opportunities and threats, and potential clients and stakeholders. 

In November of 1999, the MMHSM board visited the Minnesota Masonic Home Museum. This program occupies a new space specifically designed for the presentation of artifacts and exhibits. Although small, the MMH Museum allows for the flexibility of portraying both permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum employs audio-visual programs, open and secure exhibit settings, and excellent accessibility. Associated with the museum is adequate space for storage and conservation of archives, photographs, and three-dimensional items. Orientation to the challenge of a museumís purpose and role in the modern context was provided by the opportunity to visit the MMH Museum.

The year 2000 found significant progress in the areas of exhibits, education, and public relations. Management of the collections was improved through the acquisition of a special computer program that allows artifacts to be permanently recorded along with a digital photograph. With regret, the MMHSM accepted the resignation of Collections Chairman Dexter Pehle; however, Technical Advisor David Nystuen cheerfully accepted the responsibilities of this demanding task.

The exhibits committee, under the dedicated direction of Doug Vezner, continued to emphasize the need for a permanent Traveling Exhibit Program as a means to add a new dimension to conferences, meetings, and other program activities. During the year, specially designed exhibits traveled to ten communities and generated great interest in the MMHSM and in Masonry. An increasing number of artifacts have been donated to the collection because of the Traveling Exhibit Program, not to mention a gain of new members through the Instant Membership Plan. In this plan, a special membership area is set up along with the exhibit where membership cards and informational packets are provided immediately to new members.

During the summer of 2000, Doug Vezner orchestrated the design and fabrication of six custom plexi-glass exhibit cases of museum quality. Each of these cases can be individually prepared to display materials relevant to any special event or sponsoring organization. The cases are available to travel to any location in the state; each has its own shipping crate. 

In the area of Public Relations and Outreach, the MMHSM achieved a significant milestone, the introduction and publication of a quarterly communication of top professional quality, The Cornerstone. Sent to MMHSM members, Masonic organizations, and historical societies, it contains information about MMHSM programs, its collections, and other matters of interest. The first edition was mailed in November 2000 and consisted of four pages in two colors. The credit for design, editing, and production goes to MMHSM board member Bobbie Lampi.   A second milestone for Public Relations was the creation of an MMHSM web site. Preparation of the website was the work of Rod Larson, MMHSM President.  

The Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum announced the debut of a major exhibit, which opened concurrent with the Annual Meeting on February 25, 2001. The title of the exhibit was ìCapitular Masonry Unveiled: The Pageantry of the Royal Arch.î The exhibit presented the ritual work of the Royal Arch Chapter in a format that allowed the visitor to experience the settings in which the four Chapter degrees are conferred. 

Upon introduction to the exhibit, regalia of the various Chapter officers, the visitor was introduced to a sampling of several eras of ritual books, and a variety of tokens and paraphernalia. The visitor then moved into a Lodge of Mark Masters, the first of the Capitular Degrees. Here the visitor presented his ìworkî for inspection by the Overseers of the Temple, attempted to ìcollect his wages,î and searched for the lost keystone wrought by Hiram Abif. After receiving his ìwagesî, the visitor witnessed the aged and frail King Solomon being assisted into his Oriental Chair in the Past Master Degree. The clock then turned back to witness the elaborate ceremonies surrounding the completion and consecration of King Solomonís Temple. In the Most Excellent Master Degree, the visitor saw the ìlost ìkeystone set into place, followed by the placement of golden offerings and furnishings surrounding the Ark of the Covenant in the Sanctum Sanctorum. In the final scene, the Royal Arch Degree, the clock turned forward to allow the visitor to accompany the Jewish captives as they return from Babylon to Jerusalem to assist in the rebuilding of the Temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Here, with the aid of the crow, pick, and shovel, the visitor could unearth from the ruins of the Temple a replica of the Ark and discover within it the treasures of the Craft.

The exhibit presented many selections from the collection of period costumes held by the MMHSM in the context in which they are found in Masonic ritual work. This exhibit was the first of its kind in which the work of the Royal Arch Chapter is presented to the public in Minnesota. 

In 2001, a reassessment of the rental structure at the Saint Paul Masonic Center dealt a severe blow to the MMHSM. Through the generosity of the Saint Paul Valley of the Scottish Rite, the MMHSM had shared quarters in the library with virtually no expense other than storage and office rent, which came to an annual outlay of approximately $2000. With the increase in rent, this annual obligation rose to a staggering $14,000! The MMHSM board quickly realized that current assets would be drained in less than three years. Fortunately, the Grand Lodge came to the aid of the MMHSM with a significant grant to defer its demise. The board began the process of reevaluation of the current facilities and the option to either move or find a guaranteed source of funding for operational expenses.

During the summer of 2001, the former museum space was totally reorganized to segregate the space into an exhibition area and a library/reading room. Integral to this process was the complete relocation of all existing books, reorganization of Masonic and related materials, and de-accessioning of non-related books. A book sale was held at the Saint Paul Masonic Center on November 1st and 2nd at which the MMHSM netted approximately $1520.

2002 was as busy year for the MMHSM in terms of membership growth and program outreach. Total membership in the MMHSM as of December 31, 2002, was 411 members as compared to 244 members in 2001, a gain of 167 over the previous year, or an increase of over 68%! Much of this growth was attributable to memberships gained through the Calendar Program and the Traveling Exhibit Program. 

The MMHSM board continued to explore various sources of program funding and met with planned-giving advisors, however the establishment of an endowment fund. The MMHSM requested and received generous financial support from the Grand Lodge of AF & AM of Minnesota, along with a strong commitment to the continuation of MMHSM activities. Expenses for rent continued to be a major part of the budget and a factor as to whether the MMHSM could continue to remain at the Saint Paul Masonic Center.
 
Due to lack of interest, the Oral History project was cancelled.

In 2002, the George Washington Masonic Memorial established a program to feature Masonry across the country, featuring a particular state each month. September 2002 was designated ìMinnesota Monthî. At the request of the Grand Master, MWB Terry Tilton, the MMHSM was asked to prepare an exhibit, which consisted of a number of photographic boards and a banner heralding ì150 Years of Masonry in Minnesotaî, in conjunction with the Sesquicentennial of the Grand Lodge. The exhibit featured Minnesotaís Masonic architecture and history. MWB Tilton, RWB Neil Neddermeyer (Deputy Grand Master), and Doug and Delores Vezner (representing the MMHSM) were honored guests at the Memorial for the dedication of the exhibit. The exhibit was well received and gained the MMHSM national exposure.

Through a grant from the Grand Lodge, the MMHSM retained the services of photographer Doug Ohman to record selected buildings and artifacts across the state that were representative of Minnesotaís Masonic heritage. The photographs resulting from this project formed the resource for the production of an exquisite 16-month calendar to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of the Grand Lodge. The calendar project was also to be a fundraiser for the MMHSM and Minnesota Masonic Foundation. MMHSM board members spent countless hours selecting photos, preparing narratives, securing services of designers and printers, and preparing the calendars for distribution to the Masons of Minnesota. The calendars were mailed in early November to every household; a number were distributed to the Minnesota Masonic Home and to the Grand Lodge. Others were sent to libraries, museums, and Masonic organizations. 

21,250 calendars were printed.  Over 19,500 of these were mailed to Minnesota Masons. The Minnesota Masonic Homes purchased 1,000 calendars. The Grand Lodge requested an additional 350 calendars and the MMHSM received the remaining amount. The Calendar Project was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Masonic Foundation, $10,000 was funded by the MMHSM using a grant received from the Minnesota Masonic Homes, and the Grand Lodge funded the remainder.  Each organization was be reimbursed a portion of the receipts based on their contribution.  The total cost of the project was $47,267.25.  

As of December 31, 2002, only 1500 of those to whom calendars were sent responded with donations totaling $32,783.25. This was a disappointing response, being just over 7% of the total membership. It had been expected that a high-quality production such as the 16-month calendar, commemorating 150 years of Masonry in Minnesota, and featuring images of interest to most Minnesota Masons, would have generated more response. 

In 2003, the cataloguing and computerization of the library collection was completed. Over 6800 books, publications, and magazines can be referenced on the computer. The cataloguing software was updated to allow the addition of photographs of each item to the data. The museum was reorganized to facilitate not only new exhibits, but also to achieve better use of available space. At the close of the year, a web site for the MMHSM was established (www.minnesotamasonicmuseum.org) allowing MMHSM materials, including all issues of The Cornerstone to be placed on the site. The intent is to add the library database to the web site to assist people involved in research. 

On February 15-18, the 150th Anniversary exhibit, prepared for the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, was presented at the Hyatt Regency and Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. This event coincided with the North American Conference of Grand Masters. The exhibit was well-received and provided exposure for the MMHSM to representatives from all over the world. The exhibit was featured on the Internet in England!

One of the highlights of 2003 was MMHSM participation at the 129th Imperial Council Session in Minneapolis. The result was the most extensive Traveling Exhibit that the MMHSM had ever prepared, taking more than six hours to set up on site. A unique setting featured costumed mannequins, photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia. Of special interest was the first uniform used in Shrinedom by the Zuhrah Patrol Unit. The three Minnesota Shrines were featured and a special edition of The Cornerstone was printed for the occasion. 

The last major exhibit in the museum at the Saint Paul Masonic Center was produced for the 2003 MMHSM Annual Meeting. Titled ìMasonic Collectablesî the exhibit featured a collection of rare ceramics and other memorabilia from the Don Leary Collection, donated to the MMHSM by Paul Revere Lodge. The exhibit required all six of the plexiglass traveling cases, in addition to every shelf and table available in the museum. Nearly 10,000 items were on display, including commemorative coins and ceramics, banners and aprons, calling cards, photographs, and glass slides. 

At the end of 2003, the MMHSM was facing the most crisis in its existence, the imminent need to find resources to pay the cost of program development and operation. Membership and limited grants were found not sufficient to meet current and future needs. The basic cost of paying rent would cause the MMHSM to severely reduce its programs, seek an alternative location, or cease to exist. 

With encouragement from Past Grand Master Neil Neddermeyer and Grand Master Gerald Rhoads, the MMHSM took a major step to address its financial condition in 2004 by entering into an agreement with the Minnesota Masonic Homes to relocate the museum and collections to the Bloomington facility. This move was found to save considerably on the drain of funds to satisfy rent expenses at the Saint Paul Masonic Center. In the coming year, the MMHSM will explore new funding possibilities such as participation with the new Masonic Charities program. 

The museum was totally dismantled in early summer and its contents were moved to the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington. The MMHSM assumed responsibility for the existing museum exhibit area at MMH. Because of the move, MMHSM acquired one large heated general storage room for large artifacts, one cold storage room for traveling exhibit shipping cases, two small storage rooms for artwork and traveling exhibit, a room for cataloguing and archival storage, and two small work offices. Overall, the opportunities at the MMH were found to far exceed those of the Saint Paul Masonic Center. The library remains at the Saint Paul Masonic Center.

The MMHSM celebrates its accomplishments of the last ten years. Its exceptionally successful Traveling Exhibits Program is unique among historical organizations in the state and The Cornerstone continues to be a first rate professional publication. The MMHSM now has a fine museum exhibit space and support facilities at the Minnesota Masonic Home. The MMHSM is committed to providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about our Masonic heritage through museum exhibits and publications, or spend time researching many fascinating aspects of Freemasonry. In addition, volunteer opportunities abound at MMHSM. 

The accomplishments of the Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum are a credit to the dedication of its members, without whom there would be no MMHSM. Our Masonic heritage is priceless. We must never forget that the chapters of history we have written and those that we will continue to write belong to everyone!

 
Charles W. Nelson,   Director