Founded in 1996 with a generous contribution from Henry Wilson Coil, Jr. in honor of his father, Henry W. Coil Sr., the library and museum collections chronicle the history of Freemasonry in California as well as the general history of Freemasonry.
The library collection includes books, serials, and archival collections related to the history and study of Freemasonry and Freemasonry in California. Research resources include the archives of the Grand Lodge of California, California Masonic lodge records, membership records, early Masonic publications, and ritual monitors.
The museum collection includes Masonic artifacts such as aprons, regalia, objects, medallions, jewels, photographs, certificates, and artwork related to Freemasonry from around the world, the United States, and California.
Browse the library and museum online catalog here:
Research and Donation Requests
Please email requests for access to the collections, information on the history of Freemasonry, the history of the Grand Lodge of California, genealogy requests, or donation information to:
Joe Evans, Museum Collections Manager
Freemasonry, as the oldest fraternal organization in North America, has a long history of craftsmanship in the fashioning of personal regalia, lodge furnishings, and decorative objects. From the very beginnings of speculative Masonry in the early 18th century, ordinary members of the craft have sought to inspire awe, reverence and fellowship through their handiwork.
Freemasonry, as the oldest fraternal organization in North America, has a long history of craftsmanship in the fashioning of personal regalia, lodge furnishings, and decorative objects. From the very beginnings of speculative Masonry in the early 18th century, ordinary members of the craft have sought to inspire awe, reverence and fellowship through their handiwork.
