Lecture Series
Have you wondered about one of the world’s most ancient and secretive societies? What are those mysteries that the “initiated eye” can see and that others cannot? Join us for this 5-part lecture series exploring the history, symbolism, architecture and material culture of the Freemasons.
Where: House of the Temple, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fee: Individual lecture: $7 AAF members/Freemasons; $10 nonmembers
All 5 lectures: $28 AAF members/Freemasons; $40 nonmembers
Title: Unveiling the Masonic Symbolism of Washington D.C.
Date: May 26, 2005
Speaker: Akram R. Elias, Junior Grand Warden Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC.
Why was the District of Columbia originally designed as a perfect square? What is the significance of the Washington Monument? Do you really see what you're seeing? In this lecture, Mr. Elias will unveil the hidden symbolism that only the initiated eye can discern.
Title: The Secret and the Sublime: The Philosophy of Masonic Symbolism
Date: June 2, 2005
Speaker: W. Kirk MacNulty, Past Master of The Lodge of Nine Muses No. 1776
Washington, DC, Grand Representative of the United Grand Lodge of England
London, United Kingdom
What lies behind the symbols of Freemasonry? How do the tools and emblems of the fraternity relate to the concept of enlightenment and self improvement? Mr. MacNulty, a renowned authority on this topic will take you on a journey of discovery of the “initiated eye.”
Title: Pharos, Knights or Druids: The Origins of Freemasonry
Date: June 9, 2005
Speaker: S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal
Supreme Council, Ancient And Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J.
Did Freemasonry originate with the pharos of Egypt, the stone guilds of medieval Europe, or with aliens? Dr. Morris will discuss the myths and facts associated with the origins of the oldest fraternity in western civilization.
Title: A Secret Brotherhood: Famous Masons
Date: June 16, 2005
Speaker: Kwame Acquaah, Esq., Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC
What do George Washington, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Jose de San Martin, Simon Bolivar, Marquis de Lafayette, Garibaldi, Sir Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman have in common with Mozart, John Philip Suza, Duke Ellington, and Edwin Eugene "Buzz" Aldrin? You guessed it right! They were all members of the Brotherhood of the Freemasons.
Title: Heresy and Treasure: The Templar Tradition in Freemasonry
Date: June 23, 2005
Speaker: Pierre G. "Pete" Normand, Jr., Board of Directors, Scottish Rite Research Society
Why are there Templar Degrees in Freemasonry? Did the Knights of the Temple of King Solomon, otherwise known as the Knights Templar, found Freemasonry? Mr. Normand will discuss the connection that exists between the society of the Freemasons and the chivalric military order of the Knights Templar.
Walking Tours
Title: A Washington Wonder: John Russell Pope’s House of the Temple
Where: House of the Temple, 1733 16th Street,
Date: June 4, July 9 or Sept 10
Time: 10-Noon
Fee: $7 AAF members/Freemasons; $10 nonmembers
Discover in this behind-the-scenes guided tour the hidden beauty and symbolism of this magnificent structure designed after one of the seven wonders of the ancient world!
Title: George Washington’s Other Monument!
Where: The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Date: June 11, July 16 and September 17
Time: 10-Noon
Fee: $7 AAF members/Freemasons; $10 nonmembers
An incredible monument to President George Washington, a Freemason, stands on a hill in Old Town Alexandria. Tour this magnificent building with its unique architecture and interiors filled with mysterious Masonic symbols and references.
Bus Tours
Title: The Initiated Eye: A Symbolic Journey
Where: Meet at the corner of 14th and I Streets, NW (McPherson Square Metro Station on the blue/orange lines)
Date: June 18, July 23 and September 24
Time: 10am – 1 pm
Fee: $10 per person (lunch is NOT included)
Join tour director, Akram R. Elias, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Free And Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC on a tour highlighting the Masonic symbolism of some of the major landmarks of the nation's capital. The tour includes stops at The White House, Capitol, Washington National Cathedral, and the FDR Memorial.
Gallery Talks
Title: The Initiated Eye: An Introduction (something like this)
Where: The Octagon, 1799 New York Avenue, NW
Date: Saturdays, beginning May 21, 2005
Time: 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free with museum admission
Have you ever wondered about one of the world’s most ancient and secretive societies? Join a knowledgeable Freemason to learn the history of freemasonry and train your eye to see what others cannot.
Lecture Series and Tours