Masonic programme, signed by Harry S. Truman

An object from the museum's collection is the programme for the 1964 Grand Master of Masons' Award event attended by former US President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) and a number of other Freemasons in Washington, DC.

Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States from 1945 to 1953 and led the country through the most difficult post-war years. He was also an active Freemason throughout his life. Truman's Masonic journey began when he joined Perfection and Chapter Rose Croix lodge in Missouri and became Grand Master of Missouri in the early 1940s, also achieving 33rd degree in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which is highlighted in the programme.

Truman was one of the most active Freemasons from the list of U.S. Presidents, as evidenced by this 1964 Masonic event when Truman was honoured with the prestigious Grand Master of Masons' Award in the District of Columbia. The award ceremony was held on 7th May 1964 in Washington DC and included a special programme celebrating Truman's achievements, his significant contributions as Grand Master and as President of the country, upholding the values of Freemasonry during his public service, reinforcing the democratic and liberal principles of the USA.

At the event, Truman personally signed the programme for Lieutenant Leo R. Marshall (1936-1992), a distinguished photographer in the US Navy. Leo R. Marshall was a Freemason and a talented photographer from Wyoming who was fortunate enough to capture iconic moments in U.S. history. During Marshall's time in Washington, D.C., he photographed President John F. Kennedy, his family, and other famous figures of the day.

The 1964 award cemented Truman's legacy as the only US President openly and very active in Freemasonry at an incredibly high level, as well as symbolising his commitment to the ideals of equality, morality and fraternity.

In addition, the programme features a stone with the carved personal mark of a Master Mason, found in the White House during extensive restoration work in 1950. Harry Truman has this to say about it, «These precious ashlars intimately link Freemasonry with the Government of the United States». This once again emphasises the inextricable link between the Founding Fathers, the US Constitution and Masonic philosophy.

The programme concludes with a list of the brethren of the Grand Lodge of the F.A.A.M of the District of Columbia, founded in 1811, as well as a detailed schedule of the awards ceremony itself and the topics of the speakers.