The American Freemasons Library

Learn About Freemasonry

Plain, sourced answers to the questions people actually ask about the Craft. Begin with the essentials, follow the latest writing, then chart a course to any grand lodge in the Americas.

Reference · History · Recognition · Travel
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What Is Prince Hall Freemasonry?

The oldest and largest predominantly African American branch of the Craft, traced to Prince Hall and African Lodge No. 459.

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How to Become a Freemason

Who can join, what a petition involves, and how the three degrees actually work.

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Is Freemasonry a Religion?

Why the fraternity asks members to believe in a Supreme Being yet is not a religion.

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Latest from the Library

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Founding Fathers Who Were Freemasons

How many of the signers actually belonged, and which famous names did not.

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Celebrities Who Are Freemasons

Verified members from film, music, and sport, and the myths worth correcting.

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Was George Washington a Freemason?

His initiation in 1752, his lodge, and what his membership did and did not mean.

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Famous Freemasons Through History

Presidents, composers, and reformers who belonged, with the padding removed.

Article

Which US Presidents Were Freemasons?

The fifteen presidents with verified membership, from Washington to Ford.

Article

Is Freemasonry a Religion?

What the belief requirement means and where the fraternity stays silent.

Article

How to Become a Freemason

The path from first inquiry to initiation, step by step.

Article

What Is Prince Hall Freemasonry?

The history and standing of Prince Hall grand lodges today.

American Freemasons covers recognized grand lodges across the Americas. Every article is sourced and dated.