Chris Craven Online Musuem of Freemasonry
The Virtual Hall of Antiquities
Preserving the Tangible History of the Craft
Late Curator, Museum of Freemasonry
Sydney, Australia
This Online Museum is dedicated with profound respect and fraternal affection to the memory of W. Bro. Christopher Craven.
Chris was a tireless guardian of the Craft’s history, believing passionately that the objects left behind by our brethren—from the humblest pin to the most ornate apron—tell a vital story. His dedication to preservation, education, and historical truth inspired countless Masons around the world. Though he has laid down his working tools, his passion for illuminating the past remains our guiding light in this digital gallery.
Welcome to the Archives
Freemasonry is not just a system of morality; it is a living history carried through centuries. Here, we move beyond the items available in our store to showcase historical examples, rare artifacts, and the evolution of Masonic design.
I. The Regalia of Our Ancestors
Explore the evolution of the Mason’s apron, from the simple, rough-cut utilitarian skins of the 18th century to the highly ornate, bullion-embroidered velvet masterpieces of the Victorian era.
Enter Gallery →II. Personal Adornment
Masons have long carried symbols of their obligation on their person. Highlights include signet rings worn smooth by decades of use, intricate watch fobs containing hidden symbols, and cufflinks crafted by bygone artisans.
Enter Gallery →III. Tools & Scholarship
The tools we use symbolically were once used operatively. View historical examples of heavy brass squares, iron trowels, and wooden setting mauls alongside ancient Constitutions and trestleboard diagrams.
Enter Gallery →IV. Lodge Ephemera
History isn’t just in gold and velvet; it’s in paper and brass. Explore the transient items of Lodge life: vintage mark pennies, commemorative event badges, delicate silk ribbons, and early lodge summonses.
Enter Gallery →