Night At The Masonic Museum

Overview

This rare public gala opens the doors of the historic Indianapolis Masonic Temple is a fundraiser to support urgent restoration of the National Register Landmark and world-class Masonic Library & Museum.

It's a one-night-only black-tie gala dinner and cocktail reception with guided tours and a silent auction.

Every day, hundreds of people drive past the massive, windowless limestone building wondering what’s inside. This extraordinary event marks a rare public opportunity to peek inside one of Indianapolis’s most unique and enigmatic architectural landmarks. The 1909 neo-classical Temple was designed by Rubush & Hunter during the City Beautiful Movement and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the 20th century, the building served as both Masonic headquarters and a vibrant cultural hub for the city. At its dedication, so many curious people lined up to see inside that the governor couldn’t reach the stage for his planned dedication speech.

Highlights of the building include an impressive grand marble staircase, seven ceremonial lodge rooms, a banquet hall, a unique Egyptian-themed lodge room, and Indiana Freemasons Hall — an 1,100 seat auditorium that hosted plays, concerts, lectures, political debates, literary figures, and early Butler University theater performances. During World War II, the Masons operated a USO-style Masonic Army-Navy Service Center in the basement supporting thousands of servicemen, and in the 1950s it hosted U.S. citizenship swearing-in ceremonies.

Today, the Temple is the headquarters for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana (the state’s first and oldest fraternal organization), and the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana.

Located in the Temple since 2009, the Museum preserves one of the nation’s premier collections of Masonic artifacts and rare books. Visitors will find Masonic artifacts from the White House and President Harry Truman, Masonic aprons from the early 1800s, items from many of Indiana’s famous Masons like air pioneer Weir Cook, racing legend Harry Stutz, comedian Red Skelton, former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, astronaut Gus Grissom, Ben Hur author General Lew Wallace, former Governor Otis Bowen, and many more.

Displays dispel the many myths about the Freemasons; explain the mysterious symbols that appear in Masonic rituals; explore the many associated Masonic groups like the Shriners, Scottish Rite and Knights Templar; and describe the unique history of Prince Hall and his formation of the first Masonic lodge for black men in America. The Museum serves as an educational resource for the public, members, and scholars, highlighting Freemasonry’s role in Indiana history and is open to the public during weekly hours.

Unfortunately, decades of declining fraternal membership nationwide have led to costly maintenance, creating urgent restoration needs. Proceeds from the gala will help fund critical projects, including: • Elevator modernization (~$350,000 per elevator) • Auditorium restoration • Kitchen and plumbing upgrades • Air conditioning/climate-control study and upgrades for the Museum, auditorium, and other public spaces

This gala represents the next major step to raise funds while rekindling public awareness of the Museum and the Temple’s historic and cultural significance.

“The Masons have had three different downtown Temples ever since the 1850s and they’ve all helped shape Indiana history,” said Christopher Hodapp, president of the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana and best- selling author of Freemasons For Dummies, who will present during the program.

“We invite the public to join us in preserving this architectural treasure for future generations, Hodapp says. “This is more than a fundraiser — it’s the rarest of chances for visitors to experience such a unique building that seems so mysterious to so many these days.”

The gala will feature:

• Tours of the Temple’s grand spaces and behind-the-scenes Museum areas
• Museum scavenger hunt
• Silent auction with rare Masonic books, antique artifacts, premium items, travel packages, and unique Indiana experiences
• Doors will open at 5 pm
• Cocktail reception at 6 pm
• Formal seated dinner and silent auction at 7 pm

Organizers are currently seeking high-value silent auction donations from members and local businesses. Major donors will be thanked on a new lobby donor wall. The Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; all donations and ticket purchases are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The event welcomes Masons, historic preservation advocates, philanthropists, business leaders, elected officials, and organizations such as Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Historical Society.