Preserving Your Lodge’s History
The records, documents, and historical papers of Freemasonry are valuable and should be preserved with care. The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania preserves and treasures these artifacts in its archives. Lodges can do the same: often lodge secretaries or specially designated members are responsible for taking care of documents relating to the Lodge.
There are a number of standard stops on the route to preservation and conservation of the history of your lodge. Among them are knowing the best type of environment in which to store your documents (ideally a temperature between 32 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with no more than 50 percent humidity) and where to purchase appropriate equipment such as acid free folders and boxes.
Here are a few tips on how to preserve the heritage of your lodge. When in doubt, let common sense be your guide.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke in the vicinity of your historical collection.
- Always wash your hands before handling any artifact.
- Those white gloves that are an important part of Masonic ceremonies have an archival function as well. Wear them to protect documents and other items from the natural oil of your skin.
- When moving documents, do so carefully and more no more than one at a time. Slide an acid-free piece of card stock or mat board under the item and use it as a support mechanism.
- Lift paper items from the middle of the sheet and not its edges.
- Metal clips and adhesives will harm old papers – and “young” ones as well! (A temporary solution is to muse sheets of acid-free paper as bookmarks or page separators.
- Pencils should be used in order to avoid the risk of permanent ink marks on important documents.
If you have a question, problem, or specific concern regarding the care and handling of historic items, please contact the PA Masonic Library and Museum. A staff member will be happy to assist you!
This first appeared in the November 2002 issue of the Pennsylvania Freemason Magazine.
