The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania

The videotape-tour of the Masonic Temple was completed, and made its public appearance on November 26.

Librarian and Curator Glenys Waldman was invited to publish the brief history of Grand Lodge she had originally written at the request of Grand Secretary Thomas W. Jackson. It appeared in the June 1997 issue of the East Central Intelligencer, the journal of the Association for 18th Century Studies, under the title "Masonry in 18th-Century Pennsylvania, with an Introduction to the Resources of The Masonic Library and Museum at the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia." She also attended the Northeast Conference on Masonic Education and Libraries.

In an effort to bolster interest in the Friends of the Library and in the satellite libraries, meetings were held for Worshipful Masters in October, on the 9th (at the Masonic Temple), 16th (at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center), and 23rd (at the Masonic Homes). Each regional satellite library has received, to date, a total of 49 books.

The Archives had a busy year: Pursuant to a request to vacate basement lockers, the record books of approximately 25 Blue Lodges and Royal Arch Chapters have been received for the Archives. These include records of any lodges and chapters which had been merged into those 25. In addition, the Grand Masters' letter books have been relocated from the Grand Master's Office "alley" to the Archives, for reasons mostly of safety and accessibility. These records begin in 1867 and run into the 1970's.

The Museum acquired 85 items, among them: 1. Painting by William Thomas Ternay: "Valley Forge Memorial Arch" 2. Apron of printed and painted silk, ca. 1830 from Leonard Forman Lodge No. 782. 3. Porcelain plaque from the M.W. Grand Master of Germany, Rainer J. Schicke, of Brother Frederick II's (the Great 1712-1786) silhouette in gold with the German words: "Our life leads us with quick steps from birth to death. In this short span of time it is the purpose of a person to work for the good (well-being) of the community of which he is a member." 4. Watercolor (1997) by John Barker, a young Philadelphia artist, of the Masonic Temple. 5. Apron worn at the Dedication of the Masonic Temple building, June 24, 1868, with the photograph of the wearer. 6. Cushion with Masonic symbols.

Several exhibits were mounted: 1. "John Sartain, 33º 1808-1897, Exemplary Engraver, Devoted Freemason" was mounted as of January 29th, and an accompanying checklist was completed. This Sartain exhibit forms part of Philadelphia's city-wide commemoration of the centenary of Bro. Sartain's death. 2. Bicentenary of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar.

Assistant Curator John Minott wrote an article on Egyptian Hall which was published in the (Valley of Philadelphia) Scottish Rite Newsletter.

Tours of the Masonic Temple continued to be popular: 22,298 people came to visit. August was the busiest month with 2420 people.

Events of interest were the following: On July 11, Bro. John Wanamaker's birthday, a wreath was laid at his statue on the east side of City Hall. Brother Joseph Witte of the Drug and Alcohol Foundation, Assistant Librarian Catherine Giaimo, and Librarian and Curator Glenys Waldman represented Grand Lodge and the Library and Museum. The party was completed by the Rev. Dr. W.A. Zulker, author of John Wanamaker, King of Merchants, which is sold in the Gift Shop.

The Dedication of the newly-restored National Memorial Arch was held at Valley Forge, August 24. The replica of Brother and President George Washington's Masonic Apron, embroidered by Mme De Lafayette enhanced the "Washingtoniana" exhibit at the Visitors' Center. The Library and Museum mounted an exhibit in honor of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania's involvement, and assisted the Grand Secretary in assembling artifacts for the Capstone vault.