ARTIFACTS
The fabric of our fraternity.
Books. Paintings. A hand-written letter from a U.S. president. Masonic culture comes to life through art, invention, and discovery. To learn more about the tokens of our time, you’re invited to view* these artifacts on the ground floor of Masonic Hall, at the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Library & Museum, or on the web at the Grand Lodge’s Online Museum.
*While most of these artifacts are available for public viewing, others are stored privately.
![Operative Mason’s Wage Statement](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Operative-Masons-Wage-Statement-400x284.jpg)
Operative Mason’s Wage Statement
This payroll statement, written in French on vellum, is the earliest known item of the Grand Lodge.
15th Century
![James Anderson’s Constitutions](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/James-Andersons-Constitutions-1723--400x284.jpeg)
James Anderson’s Constitutions
This celebrated book compiles the history, charges, and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
1723
![Benjamin Franklin’s Trowel](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Benjamin-Franklins-Trowel-Mid-18th-Century-400x284.jpeg)
Benjamin Franklin’s Trowel
This gold and ivory trowel was discovered in the vault of the old United States Bank.
Mid-18th Century
![Worcester Ware Mug](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Worcester-Ware-Mug-Mid-to-Late-18th-Century-400x284.jpeg)
Worcester Ware Mug
This mug depicts three Freemasons and at least 34 awe-inspiring Masonic symbols.
Mid to Late 18th Century
![George Washington’s Letter of Thanks](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/George-Washingtons-Letter-of-Thanks-1782--400x284.jpeg)
George Washington’s Letter of Thanks
This hand-written letter expresses thanks for two French Freemasons, Elkanah Watson and Francis Cassoul.
1782
![James Sketchley’s Coin](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/James-Sketchleys-Coin-1794--400x284.jpeg)
James Sketchley’s Coin
This coin commemorates the Prince of Wales, King George IV, being elected as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England.
1794
![Epenetus Crosby’s Inn Sign](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Epenetus-Crosbys-Inn-Sign-1797--400x284.jpeg)
Epenetus Crosby’s Inn Sign
This ultra-rare inn sign belonged to an early tavern keeper, Epenetus Crosby, in Patterson, NY.
1797
![Reinier Jan van den Broeck’s Apron](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Reinier-Jan-van-den-Broecks-Apron-1799--400x284.jpeg)
Reinier Jan van den Broeck’s Apron
This silk apron was worn by the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New York.
1799
![Marquis de Lafayette’s Apron](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Marquis-de-Lafayettes-Apron-1813--400x284.jpeg)
Marquis de Lafayette’s Apron
This leather, ink, canvas, and silk apron brilliantly portrays the Master Mason degree.
1813
![Certificate of Manumission for George (Copy)](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Certificate-of-Manumission-for-George-Copy-1817--400x284.jpeg)
Certificate of Manumission for George (Copy)
This celebratory document grants freedom to a formerly enslaved person named George.
1817
![Marquis de Lafayette’s Dinner Coverage](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Marquis-de-Lafayettes-Dinner-Coverage-1824--400x284.jpeg)
Marquis de Lafayette’s Dinner Coverage
This newspaper article covers a grand banquet held for Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the United States.
1824
![Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Scottish Rite Certificate](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Antonio-Lopez-de-Santa-Annas-Scottish-Rite-Certificate-1825--400x284.jpg)
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Scottish Rite Certificate
This certificate confirms the Masonic membership status of Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
1825
![William Cuscaden’s Jewel](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/William-Cuscadens-Jewel-1831--400x284.jpeg)
William Cuscaden’s Jewel
This historic jewel is made of silver and gold, inlaid with rhinestones, and crowned with a brilliant ruby.
1831
![Book of the Lodge](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Book-of-the-Lodge-1855-400x284.jpeg)
Book of the Lodge
These richly colored lithographic prints symbolize the Three Degrees of Masonry.
1855
![John W. Simons’ Knights Templar Buckle](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/John-W.-Simons-Knights-Templar-Buckle-1855-56-400x284.jpeg)
John W. Simons’ Knights Templar Buckle
This bejeweled buckle represents the 200th Anniversary of The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.
1855-1856
![Gutzon Borglum’s Bust](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Gutzon-Borglums-Bust-Mid-19th-Century-400x284.jpeg)
Gutzon Borglum’s Bust
This bust of a Masonic dignitary was carved by the same man who sculpted Mount Rushmore.
Mid-19th Century
![Lilly’s Civil War Pendant](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lillys-Civil-War-Pendant-Mid-19th-Century--400x284.jpeg)
Lilly’s Civil War Pendant
This pendant was the inspiration for Norman Rockwell’s painting Mending the Flag.
Mid-19th Century
![Artist’s Proof of The Iron Worker and King Solomon](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Artists-Proof-of-The-Iron-Worker-and-King-Solomon-1871--400x284.jpeg)
Artist’s Proof of The Iron Worker and King Solomon
This spectacular steel engraving is accompanied by a printing of an ancient Jewish legend.
1871
![The Resolutions](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Resolutions-400x284.jpeg)
The Resolutions
This Civil War reunion artifact illustrates Masonic brethren helping each other across enemy lines.
1881
![“Magic Lantern” Stereopticon and Slides](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Magic-Lantern-Stereopticon-and-Slides-400x284.jpeg)
“Magic Lantern” Stereopticon and Slides
This working projector and its lantern slides depict Masonic life at the turn of the 19th century.
1882–1925
![Egyptian Fossil](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Egyptian-Fossil-400x284.jpeg)
Egyptian Fossil
This artifact is said to be shell stone from atop the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
1886
![Centennial Coin](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Centennial-Coin-400x284.jpeg)
Centennial Coin
This coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of New York.
1898
![Robert E. Peary’s Tusk](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Robert-E-Pearys-Tusk-400x284.jpeg)
Robert E. Peary’s Tusk
This tusk is written to have been made into a gavel for Peary Lodge No. 997 in Yonkers, NY.
Turn of the 20th Century
![“First Working Tool” Painting](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/First-Working-Tool-Painting.jpeg)
“First Working Tool” Painting
This painting by Paul Orban is officially titled On Being Installed, First Tool, Beautiful Symbol.
1929
![Paul Orban’s Painting](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Paul-Orbans-Painting-400x284.jpeg)
Paul Orban’s Painting
This untitled work of art illustrates the Egyptian Obelisk Cornerstone Ceremony of 1880.
1930
![The Gateway](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Gateway-400x284.jpeg)
The Gateway
This painting was used to illustrate an article published in The New York Masonic Outlook.
1930
![“America”](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/America-400x284.jpeg)
“America”
This painting accompanies “This Land He Gave Us,” an article written by Brother S. Parkes Candman.
1931
![Bohemian Crystal Goblet](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bohemian-Crystal-Goblet-400x284.png)
Bohemian Crystal Goblet
This Czechoslovakian goblet celebrates the Grand Lodge of New York’s 150th anniversary.
1931
![Vietnam War Gift Packages Photo](https://nymasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Vietnam-War-Gift-Packages-Photo-400x284.jpg)
Vietnam War Gift Packages Photo
This photo depicts Vietnam War soldiers receiving gift packages from the Grand Lodge of New York.
1966