Access to History

Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum’s Recent Acquisitions and Utilizing File Vault

W.B. Johnny J. Edwards, Grand Historian

Your Library and Museum is diligently working, receiving monthly donations from families, Lodges, and Brothers nationwide. Recent gift s include a hardbound book from the Grand Lodge of Missouri Museum, unique membership certificates, and Lodge documents from a Brother’s family.

We often receive inquiries about our collection and connections to the Grand Lodge of Oregon. While inventory and documentation might seem tedious, I am always excited to uncover fascinating histories, such as men involved in wars or notable authors.

The digital archives contain over one terabyte of data, growing monthly.

These discoveries are like reconnecting broken strings of history, enriching our database and the fabric of our Grand Lodge. One significant project we completed is the Oregon Mason / Oregon Freemason Magazine Scanning Project. These magazines, dating from the 1940s to the 1980s, are now available in searchable PDF format.

To access these scans, please email Brother Johnny Edwards who will provide a link. Each workday brings new discoveries that enhance the story of our Grand Lodge of Oregon.

In April, File Vault launched in Grand View as a digital storage solution for Lodge records. The following notice explains its use:

“File Vault is the new home for Lodge Minutes, By-Laws, and other uploaded documents. Lodges can now add, edit, or delete documents as needed. All fi les in the File Vault are viewable by the Lodge membership.”

While some Lodges have started uploading their minutes and histories, most have not. The History Committee will be using File Vault to share historical information with Masonic Lodges in this Jurisdiction and we encourage you to do so too.

The Grand Historian and Library and Museum Committee will share Lodge history with the History Committee, which will then upload this information to each Lodge’s File Vault in a folder named “GLO LIB/ MUS.” This folder will be separate from the Lodge’s own data, added by the Lodge Historian and Secretary.

Once new historical files are added, the History Committee will notify that Lodge’s Worshipful Master, who can then assign someone to organize the data in the preferred File Vault location. Each Lodge will still have a physical folder for hard copies and a digital folder at the museum archives.

You are invited to visit the Robert M. Richmond Memorial Library and Museum to access Masonic and Lodge history.

Open for tours and visits by appointment. Please call in advance.

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.