Freemasonry in Dorset: Provincial Museum

Dorset Provincial Museum

he Province of Dorset is very fortunate to have one of the finest and most comprehensive Masonic museums and libraries outside of the United Grand Lodge of England.

It was a proposal in 1917 by the Dorset Master’s Lodge No. 3366 that set the wheels in motion for a Museum to be established for the benefit of all Dorset masons and those from other Provinces. It was eventually opened and dedicated on 28th October 1926 by the then Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro The Earl of Shaftesbury.

Housed in Branksome Masonic Hall in Parkstone, the museum has continued to grow from strength to strength, helped by generous bequests over the years and the unstinting efforts of its curators and staff in obtaining many objects of historical and Masonic significance, all comprehensively listed and catalogued. There are currently some 8000 exhibits on display that include jewels, regalia, china, glassware, and pictures, together with other historical and relevant artefacts.
Donations, gifts and legacies are always very much appreciated.

Library

The museum also has a very extensive library housing a wealth of Masonic literature and information, invaluable to any brother carrying out research or simply wishing to ‘make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge’. More details can be found on our Reference Library page.

Sale of New and Second-hand Regalia

In order to assist in its funding, the museum also offers a comprehensive service supplying new and second hand Masonic regalia, jewels and giftware at discounted prices, and it is hoped that brethren will continue take full advantage of this service.

Medals

Opening Hours

The Museum and Library are open on:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9.30am and 12 noon.

The curators will also be pleased to conduct parties around the Museum, and Brethren and their partners are more than welcome. Meals for 30 or more can be arranged so why not make up a party?

Contact Us

Tel/Fax:		01202 736323
Email:

Help always required

The curators are continually looking for assistance and any brother prepared to offer his time and services would be most welcome.

Reference Library
The Museum also houses the Dorset Masonic Reference Library which contains an impressive selection of books and manuscripts covering a wide range of topics associated with Freemasonry.

Portrait of Thomas Dunckerley the first Provincial Grand Master for Dorset (from 1777 to 1795)

History
Freemasonry has a long and fascinating history, and the Museum contains artifacts spanning hundred of years. A brief summary of the history of Freemasonry can be read here, and some insights into the precepts of Freemasonry can be found here.

Join Us
If you are interested in joining us and want to learn more, read the Is it for me? and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pages first. The First Steps page will guide you in making that important first step towards becoming a member.

We do not guarantee that websites accessed via links on this page are either Masonic in nature or have been approved or endorsed by the
United Grand Lodge of England. We specifically do not warrant that any other websites accessible from their pages are recognised by, or
have the approval of, the United Grand Lodge of England.