It takes a number of individuals to design and construct a museum exhibit. The people who were instrumental in the conception of the design were Mrs. Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian and Curator of the Supreme Council, 33°, and Chris White of Chris White Designs, Inc. Joan and Chris worked to develop a theme that would display our unique historical artifacts while telling the history of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, in an attractive, informative, and inspirational manner.

After deciding upon a theme, the library staff determined what types of items might be best suited to display in the exhibit. The staff spent time examining the artifacts housed throughout the House of the Temple which were on display and those that were kept in our archival storage facilities. Once the most appropriate items were selected, they were photographed and measured for dimensions. This allowed Chris the opportunity to begin the process of developing blueprints for displaying the items. He met regularly with the staff of the Supreme Council to present his ideas of ways the artifacts could be effectively presented as a collection. After the blueprints for the exhibit were finalized, it was up to the library and museum staff to remove all of the items from their current locations to be placed in a secure curator storage facility.

Text and captions were written to describe the artifacts as well as the history of the Fraternity. Research was done by historians, such as Ill. Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Archivist and Historian of the Supreme Council, and Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C., Director of Work at the Guthrie, Oklahoma, Scottish Rite Temple and author of Albert Pike: The Man Beyond the Monument. After the items were placed in storage, each piece was given an artifact number that corresponds with the blueprints. This numbering was to ensure that each item was accounted for and placed in the proper locations within the display.

The History Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, hosted the Supreme Council's Bicentennial Exhibit. Photo: Ill. McDonald "Don" L. Burbidge, 33°

It was up to the employees of Sanders Museum Service to measure, photograph, and examine each artifact professionally. This involved a team of experts who artistically created mounts to hold each of the items in the museum display. A mount was also used for security purposes, to keep the artifacts safe. The museum team created hand sketches of the artifacts as well as took digital photographs to document the size and proportions of the pieces. Each artifact had to be carefully handled while the artists thought of unique ways to protect the pieces while on display and during shipment. For instance, we had rare Masonic pottery that could break easily if not secured correctly in the display box. Care was taken to protect each item, whether it was a book, a jewel, or an apron.

Mr. Tom Stuart and Mr. Don Llewellyn, along with a team of woodworkers from Exhibits Unlimited, created beautiful cabinetry to display the exhibit. On the bottom of each display were two columns to support the cabinets. Another special feature they built was a life-sized version of the "Steps of Freemasonry." On the steps were graphics of men dressed in Scottish Rite regalia. These were developed and, when necessary, colorized from historic sketches by Elizabeth A. Williams, Desktop Publishing Specialist in the office of the Scottish Rite Journal. Exhibits Unlimited also worked in conjunction with a graphics company to get the captions, pictures, and backdrops printed for the display. The journey to Charleston from Washington, D.C., proved to be a unique challenge, as the exhibit display cases had to be packed in large, specially built, protective boxes for shipment to Charleston and then back to the House of the Temple.

Following the work of each of these separate teams, the final product resulted in the grand opening of the exhibit in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 30, 2001. Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht and Dr. John Brumgardt, Director of the Charleston Museum, gave brief remarks as they commenced the gala with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. A reception followed, as special invitees were able to tour the exhibit and other sections of the Charleston History Museum.

Featured items in the exhibit include Kit Carson's rifle, which was loaned to the Supreme Council by Montezuma Lodge No. 1, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The rifle is rarely displayed. Other items of special interest included the "Emmy" won by Ill. Michael A. Richards, 33°, for his performance as "Kramer" on the hit television series Seinfeld, and the cap worn by Ill. Ernest Borgnine, 33°, G.C., during the popular television series McHale's Navy. The exhibit also features rare jewels, books, and Masonic artifacts that represents over 200 years of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

Work on this fantastic exhibit occurred for over two years prior to its opening, and there were a number of individuals who helped to make it a success. The exhibit is now on display at the House of the Temple. Visiting hours are from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Your donations assist the restoration of the Library's rare books and the purchase of special works of particular historic and Masonic value. Donors of $100 or more receive special benefits. For more information, please contact Heather Calloway at 202–232–3579, ext. 108 or at hcalloway@srmason-sj.org.