Iowa Masonic Library and Museum

12/10/2024

Santa Claus is coming to the Grand Lodge of Iowa! Before he makes his rounds on Christmas Eve, Santa will be stopping by the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum on Saturday December 14th, 2024. Come out and get a picture with St. Nick!

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

Here are a couple of antique French aprons we saw at last week's visit to the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum while we attended the Masonic Library and Museum Association Annual Conference at the Grand Lodge of Iowa in Cedar Rapids. They date from the late 18th to early 19th centuries and are of a typical French style at the time combining the collar with the apron.

10/07/2024

Did you know that the world's second-largest private library is a Masonic one? The Iowa Masonic Library and Museum was the first Masonic library building in the world when it opened in 1884. The current building, pictured below, opened in 1955 after their collection outgrew the original site. It contains over 250,000 volumes over four floors and houses several museums: one Masonic and one general. The Masonic Service Association of North America also operates out of this building.
More information and collections photos: https://grandlodgeofiowa.org/library-2/.
📸:Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M.

10/03/2024

The MMML would like to thank Julia Wells, Assistant Grand Librarian and Curator for the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum, for hosting the Masonic Library and Museum Association Annual Conference this past weekend at the Grand Lodge of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Here Julia is showing some attendees where the Grand Lodge of Iowa keeps a portrait gallery of their Past Grand Masters. Thanks again, Julia!

09/26/2024

Come visit our new exhibit on the Masonic Service Association of North America! Call Julia at 319-365-1438 to schedule an appointment for a tour.

09/16/2024

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our newest addition to our collection!

08/09/2024

Listen NOW at patreon.com/MAGIAcademics or wherever you listen to podcasts.

📚 This week on the MAGI podcast, we're thrilled to explore the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum with special guest Julia Wells, the assistant grand librarian. Hosted by Glenn Visscher of Masonic Library & Museum Association (MLMA) , the episode delves into the rich history housed within the library's extensive collection located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Julia shares fascinating details about her role, the unique items found in the library, and the meticulous process of cataloging and preserving these treasures. Discover how the library manages donations, showcases rare artifacts like Civil War flags and cuneiform tablets, and the importance of volunteer contributions.

We also discuss future plans, including new exhibits and a large-scale scanning project aimed at preserving and making the library's resources more accessible to researchers.

Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for this invaluable part of our Masonic and fraternal heritage. Listen to the full episode to catch all the insights and stories.

🎧 patreon.com/MAGIAcademics

Resource Links:
grandlodgeofiowa.org
grandlodgeofiowa.org/library-2
masonic-libraries.com

07/11/2024

We are excited to invite you to our annual Masonic Library and Museum Association Conference, taking place from September 27-29, 2024, at the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum. While registration is required, there is no fee to attend. However, we have planned additional fun activities and group dining throughout the weekend to enhance your experience.

If you have any questions, please contact Julia Wells, Curator of the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum and our gracious host, at [email protected].

07/03/2024

The Iowa Masonic Library and Museum will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the holiday. We look forward to seeing you again Monday, July 8th!

06/28/2024

Come see for yourself what Jay Jay is talking about! Thanks again for coming by and telling all your friends about us!

06/28/2024

06/28/2024

Are you going to the Linn County Fair today? Stop by the Iowa Masonic Library and Musuem table from 7-2! Our curator Julia would love to see you there!

06/21/2024

Come take a tour and see the tiniest book in our collection yourself! Call 319-365-1438 to schedule a tour!

06/15/2024