Secret vaults of forgotten treasures: Freemasonry's collections and material culture in a declining fraternal age.

摘要

A cautionary tale emerges from this study, designed to highlight the importance of the preservation of special collections in the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, the Freemasons. Without intervention, these collections are at risk of potentially losing rare and unique artifacts and materials as they struggle with declining resources. This study examines caring for special collections at Masonic Grand Lodges in the United States. The purpose of this study is to understand how Masonic groups have implemented strategies to provide ongoing and long-term care for their collections. It examines the ways these institutions are adapting to changes, particularly in regard to access, technology and space. A review of current literature on special collections supports the research and aided in the formulation of the research questions.;Six Masonic Grand Lodges were chosen as the focus of the case studies. The findings emerged out of site visits, personal interviews and review of historical and archival documents and media coverage. Common themes surfaced and the study revealed some important revelations and implications for the future of special collections and the work of librarians, curators and archivists in practice today. The research obtained a list of guidelines that other special collections, including those outside the fraternity---might consider as they prepare for a move, a new building, or deaccession of materials.