The Grand Lodge Library and Museum has just become a Charitable Trust. I asked the Librarian and Curator, John Hamill, what the Library and Museum does, and why it has become a Charity.

THE EDITOR The Grand Lodge Library and Museum is one of England’s hidden treasures. What’s the background to it?

John Hamill We were formed in 1837 from a small collection of books and artefacts found in a cupboard in the Grand Secretary’s office. We were fortunate to have Henry Sadler appointed as Librarian in 1887. Over the next 20 years he built the solid foundation on which the present collections now stand. Sadler’s successors built a reputation for research and scholarship, and in 1960 Bro AR Hewitt was brought in as the first professional Librarian to reorganise the Library and Museum on professional grounds.

THE EDITOR How extensive are the collections?

John Hamill In the Library we have over 45,000 printed books and pamphlets, plus the archives of Grand Lodge going back to 1723 and of Grand Chapter back to its formation in 1766. In the Museum, an enormous collection of regalia and jewels and all sorts of objects which have either had a masonic use or have masonic decoration. The concentration has been on the English Craft and Royal Arch but we have representative collections covering all the other degrees and orders of Freemasonry where it exists or has existed throughout the world.

THE EDITOR What is the point of collecting everything?

John Hamill We have two aims. First is to collect and preserve. Freemasonry has been an important part of British life for nearly 300 years, and it is important that the records and artefacts should be preserved. Collecting for its own sake, however, is a sterile occupation. Equal in importance is making the records available to others. In that way we act as a sort of masonic information bureau, answering queries and helping others with their research. One of the interesting changes in the last decade is that those now coming into the Craft are not content to sit back. They want to know what it is they have joined and what are its history and traditions. It is part of our job to help them find the answers.

THE EDITOR We hear a great deal about openness. How much are you involved in that?

John Hamill A great deal. When the decision was taken in 1984 to increase public awareness of Freemasonry, the Library and Museum were seen as an important part of that process. We became fully open to the public who can come in, go round the Library and Museum and use all of its facilities and services. From an average of 10,000 visitors a year in the early 1980s we have gone up to over 30,000 visitors a year, many of them being interested members of the public with no masonic connections.

THE EDITOR As the Library and Museum have been around for a long time, haven’t all the questions been answered?

John Hamill No! One of the delights is that you have no idea how the day is going to go. With a constant stream of visitors, the ubiquitous telephone and a never decreasing postbag from all round the world, you are never sure what the next question is going to be. I find the most stimulating work comes as a result of the new policies. Our studies have long since entered the academic mainstream and in the last decade we have helped over 20 male and female students towards their MA or PhD. Their focus has been to look at Freemasonry as part of social and scientific history, or in relation to religion or the Fine Arts. As non-masons, they come fresh to the subject without any of the preconceptions we have as members. This is a vital area I want to see developed. Stimulating the growing serious interest in Freemasonry outside the institution itself is a major way of dispelling the current public perception of Freemasonry - as well, of course, as enlightening ourselves.

THE EDITOR After all this time, why become a charity?

John Hamill Running a Library and Museum and maintaining and improving high standards takes money. The Craft, through their annual dues, have generously supported their Library and Museum, but a lot needs to be done. The Museum is a perfect example of 1920s design, but is unfortunately unsuited to modern display techniques. Modern technology can greatly help to make information accessible. Anything we are likely to want to add to the collections is going to be a ‘one-off’, and we have to compete in the market. This all takes money. Becoming a charity will enable us to raise additional funds efficiently, so improving and extending the services we already offer, and continuing the vital scholarly contribution we make to the Craft’s and the public’s knowledge of Freemasonry.

The Grand Lodge Library and Museum is at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. Tel 0171 395 9251. Fax 0171 404 7418. Opening hours : Mon-Fri 1000-1700. Sat 1000-1300. Closed on public holidays and Saturdays preceding them. Party visits by prior arrangement.
The Library and Museum Charitable Trust is a registered charity No 1058497. Trustees :
RW Bro the Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton, Assistant Grand Master;
RW Bro GRG Purser PJGW, President of the Board of General Purposes; VW Bro JW Daniel, Grand Secretary. To those who might wish to contribute, covenant and gift aid forms are available from the above address, and donations (payable to the Library and Museum Charitable Trust) will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.