The
Library and Museum facility is available for both public and Masonic
use located in adjoining rooms. There is a separate storage area
for Museum items which is in accordance with best museum practice.
United Masters Lodge has over many years amassed a large collection,
which has come in many forms such as donations and purchases.
The facility is of great value in terms of social heritage of
New Zealand.
The Museum
Much like any museum the displays at any one time contain a very
small proportion of the total inventory. That inventory covers
items which have a connection with a Freemason and his family
and come from all over the world from many different organisations,
Masonic and otherwise.
To function like any other museum it depends on money for the
preservation and maintenance of all the items, it also depends
on volunteers to staff the premises. None of the volunteers are
paid or reimbursed and funds received are channelled into the
library and museum for the continued preservation and maintenance
of the collection, for the benefit of the social hertiage of New
Zealand.
The Library
The Library houses many thousand books which are accessible to
the public, Freemasons and Soceity members. All books are now
listed on a database. There is also a music section.
Access
At present the access to the library and museum is limited.
There are several reasons for this, such as parking which may
prove difficult during the day time hours. A greater number of
volunteers will allow opening times to be extended. It is planned
to open on occasions when lodges and other orders hold meetings
in the building. Visits by individuals and groups can be arranged
by contacting the Society Secretary.
Membership
The Society is open for any applicant subject to the same sort
of membership checks a similar society would make. The Society
welcomes anyone with an interest in the library and museum to
come and have a look at what the Society has done and will be
doing in the future.
To
join you can download an application form below.
