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
This payroll statement, written in French on vellum, is the earliest known item of the Grand Lodge.
15th Century
James Anderson’s Constitutions
This celebrated book compiles the history, charges, and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
1723
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
This mug depicts three Freemasons and at least 34 awe-inspiring Masonic symbols.
Mid to Late 18th Century
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
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
This ultra-rare inn sign belonged to an early tavern keeper, Epenetus Crosby, in Patterson, NY.
1797
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
This leather, ink, canvas, and silk apron brilliantly portrays the Master Mason degree.
1813
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
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
This certificate confirms the Masonic membership status of Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
1825
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
These richly colored lithographic prints symbolize the Three Degrees of Masonry.
1855
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
This bust of a Masonic dignitary was carved by the same man who sculpted Mount Rushmore.
Mid-19th Century
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
This spectacular steel engraving is accompanied by a printing of an ancient Jewish legend.
1871
The Resolutions
This Civil War reunion artifact illustrates Masonic brethren helping each other across enemy lines.
1881
“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
This artifact is said to be shell stone from atop the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
1886
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
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
This painting by Paul Orban is officially titled On Being Installed, First Tool, Beautiful Symbol.
1929
Paul Orban’s Painting
This untitled work of art illustrates the Egyptian Obelisk Cornerstone Ceremony of 1880.
1930
The Gateway
This painting was used to illustrate an article published in The New York Masonic Outlook.
1930
“America”
This painting accompanies “This Land He Gave Us,” an article written by Brother S. Parkes Candman.
1931
Bohemian Crystal Goblet
This Czechoslovakian goblet celebrates the Grand Lodge of New York’s 150th anniversary.
1931
Vietnam War Gift Packages Photo
This photo depicts Vietnam War soldiers receiving gift packages from the Grand Lodge of New York.
1966