Welcome
“The work of Masonry is to study.” — Michael S. Kaulback
Welcome to the official website of the Library, Museum and Archives of the Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
The Library’s collection of over 9,000 items includes books, pamphlets, magazines, periodicals, videos, DVDs, etc., will enrich the reader’s knowledge of Freemasonry, its origins and its place in society. The material contained in the Library reflects the views and opinions of the various authors and thus may not always be in harmony with those of your Grand Lodge. As one’s knowledge is enriched, one must also recognize the autonomy of each Masonic Jurisdiction.
The Museum is very fortunate to have on display a very large collection of historical regalia, jewels and artifacts. In addition, the Archives also has a large collection of historical Masonic documents and records.
The Library, Museum and Archives is available to all Masons in good standing and also for non-Masons in our jurisdiction.
We are currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions however, we will do our best to accommodate Masonic visitors and non-Masonic visitors through the telephone.
For Library matters, please contact Ian Donald by phone: 289-259-5298 or email: library@grandlodge.on.ca.
For Museum and Archives matters, please contact Daniel Glenney at museumandarchives@grandlodge.on.ca.
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero
Our Vision
Creating Enquiring, Knowledgeable and Engaged Ontario Masons.
Our Mission
The Grand Lodge Library, Museum and Archives collects, preserves and provides the informational resources and artifacts of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
Brief History
Upon the death of John Ross Robertson, Grand Master from 1890-1891, in 1918 a very fine collection of over 1,000 volumes of Craft literature was bequeathed to Grand Lodge. This collection formed the core of the Grand Lodge Library established in 1931 and administered by a special committee. Its first report to the Grand Lodge of its stewardship was presented in 1932. In 1937, a Library Committee was set-up as a sub-committee of the Board of General Purposes.
The Library was originally located in the Masonic Temple at 888 Yonge Street in Toronto. 
In February 1985, under the chairmanship of Wayne Elgie, the Library was moved to Hamilton and located in the lower level of the Grand Lodge Memorial Building at 363 King Street West. In May 1995, the Library was moved from the lower level to the second floor. Also at that time the Grand Master, C. Edwin Drew, dedicated the second floor of the Memorial Building as a Museum. That same year, under the chairmanship of Frank Dunn, the Library, Museum and Archives Committee became a reality. This structure remains in place to this day.