‘Museum fundraiser seeks auction items’

    

Click to enlarge.

As a fundraiser to benefit its library and museum, the Grand Lodge of Virginia plans a gala for October 23 that will feature a silent auction. We can help by donating pieces of Masonic material culture to be sold by bid that evening. From the publicity:

Silent Auction Donations Needed!

We are preparing for the Grand Lodge of Virginia Library and Museum Fundraising Gala on Friday, October 23 in Richmond, and we are now seeking donations for our silent auction. We are especially interested in antique and historic Masonic collectibles, including:

⬩antique Masonic memorabilia

⬩old Masonic jewels, medals, and pins

⬩vintage lodge items

⬩historic Masonic books

⬩antique Masonic artwork

⬩Past Master items

⬩lodge photographs and documents

⬩rare or unusual Masonic collectibles

We also are looking for gift cards, gift baskets, restaurant certificates, golf packages, experiences, artwork, services, and other unique items. If you have something you would be willing to donate—or know someone who might—we would love to hear from you.

Help us preserve and celebrate the rich history of Freemasonry in Virginia while making this fundraising gala a tremendous success. Brothers, let’s see what treasures are hiding in those lodge rooms, attics, and collections.

To contribute, send an email here.

A transition is underway at the institution. While Grand Lodge’s website still refers to it as the Allen E. Roberts Masonic Library, Inc., it seems that name is subject to change pending the right endowment donation. Also, personnel changes have been made, and displays of artifacts are expanding.

Listen to this recent episode of Grand Lodge’s Nine Mile Road Podcast to hear about these reforms and more. Host Jason Himsey interviews Grand Senior Warden Gino Williams. Not even ten minutes. Check it out.

     

‘Library-museum seeks new director’

    

The Allen E. Roberts Library and Museum of the Grand Lodge of Virginia seeks a new Executive Director. (God, I’d love to be Executive Director of the Allen E. Roberts Library and Museum!) From the publicity:

GL of Virginia

Executive Director of the Allen E. Roberts Library and Grand Lodge of Virginia AF&AM Museum will be a scholar and manager active in all aspects of the Library and Museum and an integral and essential member of the team. The Executive Director will ensure the Virginia Masonic family and generally the world Masonic community is aware of and able to access the collections associated with this endeavor.

Incumbent will report to the Board of Directors of the corporation.

Application deadline: March 1, 2024.

Resumes can be forwarded to:

The Grand Lodge of Virginia

4115 Nine Mile Road

Richmond, VA 23223-4926

or emailed here.

Position

Executive Director of the Allen E. Roberts Library and Grand Lodge of Virginia AF&AM Museum.

GL of Virginia

The Executive Director will be a scholar and manager active in all aspects of the Library and Museum and an integral and essential member of the team. The Executive Director will ensure the Virginia Masonic family and generally the world Masonic community is aware of and able to access the collections associated with this endeavor.

Purpose

GL of Virginia

The Grand Lodge of Virginia Library, Museum and Historical Foundation, and the Allen E. Roberts Masonic Library and Museum of Virginia, Inc. is seeking a vibrant, enthusiastic and dynamic person to direct, organize and curate the Allen E. Roberts Library, the Grand Lodge of Virginia, AF&AM Museum and assist in the curating of such other Virginia Masonic collections as may come under the purview of the Corporation.

Responsibilities

Report to the Board of Directors of the corporation.

Approve, catalog and document all acquisitions including books, ephemera, recordings, furnishings and other items.

GL of Virginia

Create policies, including accession and declination policies, for the Library and Museum, including the preparation of such forms as may be necessary for such purposes, for review and approval by the Board of Directors.

Ensure that Library and Museum holdings are available for Masonic and scholarly use.

Assure proper stewardship of all Library and Museum materials and holdings.

GL of Virginia

Employ proper conservation techniques and methods to preserve and maintain all collections to make the same available for the longest possible time.

Represent the Library and Museum where necessary and as requested by the Board of Directors.

Increase engagement with members of the Masonic Fraternity.

Establish clear goals for the collection and share the same with the Board of Directors.

Deepen fraternal and public awareness of the Library and Museum and publicize its holdings to encourage use.

Serve as a visible and articulate spokesperson for the Library and Museum.

Assist in fundraising matters on individual initiative and at the request of the Board of Directors.

GL of Virginia

Supervise docents, interns and volunteers and manage the scheduling of such persons.

Prepare a budget and discuss budgetary matters with the Board of Directors.

Manage special use and restricted funds.

Assist in planning major purchases and capital expenses of the Library and Museum.

Prepare and oversee Library and Museum publications.

Manage the physical integrity and security of all Library and Museum spaces.

Grow the holdings of the Library and Museum.

GL of Virginia

Salary Range

$46,500 to $68,500

Requirements

GL of Virginia

A strong commitment to historical preservation, research and scholarship.

A strong commitment to working with a team and a Board of Directors.

Bachelor’s Degree in library science, history, museum science, related field or equivalent experience.

Ability to work independently.

A passion for history.

Ability to use Past Perfect computer software.