Independence Day

Today, on the day of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, it is appropriate to recall the role of Freemasonry in the formation of the American idea and the state itself.

It is known that there were many Freemasons among the signers of the US Declaration of Independence. Including the key Founding Fathers - Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. They were initiated into Freemasonry when there were young and all their lives respected the moral system of Freemasons.

At the same time, as you know, the capital of the United States and its key buildings were built according to Masonic projects and in accordance with the Masonic traditions of laying the cornerstone. Personally, George Washington took part in the Masonic ritual of laying the first stone of the Capitol.

The role of French Freemasonry in shaping the young United States is is less discussed but also very important. Continuing the conversation about George Washington, one must remember his closest friend, General Lafayette. He gave the future first president of the United States the Masonic apron that later became famous. Together with Lafayette, the author of the master plan for the city of Washington, the French freemason Pierre Charles Lantfant, arrived in the United States.

In the same period, at the turn of the 70s and 80s, Benjamin Franklin was admitted to the Lodge Nine sisters and even headed it for three years. Voltaire was also in the same lodge.

His figure, defining the essence of that time - the era of the Enlightenment, can also serve as one of the symbols of the emergence of the United States, based on the ideas of democracy and progress.

As an illustration, we present here the pages of the "Diary of Secret Memories", which talk about the participation of Benjamin Franklin in the memorial works of the Nine sisters lodge in memory of Voltaire.  The founding father of the United States is here called "the heir to Voltaire's apron."

Illustrations from our museum's collection: The personal signature of General Lafayette and a page from the "Diaries of Secret Societies" about the memorial work of the Lodge of the Nine Sisters in honor of Voltaire with the participation of Franklin.