Fraternal groups developed elaborate theatrical productions that served as initiation rituals for their members. Exhibition curator for Theatre of the Fraternity, Lance Brockman and historian Lynn Dumenil from Occidental College discuss the ways in which costumes, set designs, and props operated in these secret performances.
The temples of the Freemasons make use of a rich visual symbolism that can be traced to the allegorical roots of the organization. In this slide lecture, the Minnesota state historical architect Charles W. Nelson will explain the iconography of fraternal buildings, inside and out, with emphasis on those built by the Freemasons.
The imagery of set designs for Masonic theatre was also found other kinds of popular entertainment in the Victorian era. In this multimedia program, Nancy and Margaret Bergh will recreate the magic lantern shows popular in both neighborhood nickelodeon theaters and home parlors at the turn of the century, when gloriously-colored lantern slides accompanied Tin Pan Alley's latest songs.
Exotic images of ancient cultures found in Masonic set design were common in other forms of theatrical entertainment at the turn of the century such as circuses, panoramas, and world's fairs. In this slide lecture, Lance Brockman will discuss the richly-colored, romantic scenery of the period and its function of transporting audiences to other locations and creating altered states of mind.
This illustrated lecture will use the colorful evidence of 19th-century Masonic aprons, fraternal regalia, and lodge furnishings to discuss the relationship of fraternalism and masculinity within the broader context of 19th-century social constraints that defined appropriate roles for men and women.