![Several piles of colourful old books](https://brocku.ca/brock-news/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Freemason-books.jpg?x91846)
An upcoming free public lecture at Brock University will explore the work of museum staff and archivists in preserving historically significant Freemason, religious and club memorabilia.
Professor Heather Calloway, Executive Director of University Collections at Indiana University, will present “Skeletons in the Lodge Hall: Hidden Collections and Fraternal Curiosities” at the 14th Annual Charles A. Sankey Lecture Series on Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m. in Brock’s Sean O’Sullivan Theatre.
In addition to sharing learnings from her years of experience in helping to curate and preserve local and national Masonic collections, Calloway may also discuss innovative ways to engage new audiences with collections, such as using augmented reality technology.
After the lecture at 5 p.m., a free reception in Market Hall will offer light refreshments and allow visitors the opportunity to speak about their personal treasures with Calloway and Brock’s own archivist David Sharron, Head of Archives and Special Collections with the Brock University Library.
Community members are invited to bring their Freemason objects to the event to show Colloway and Sharron, who can discuss their historical significance and how to best care for them. Examples of items include old books, letters, clothing and jewelry. Valuations will not be offered. Sharron will also have a sample of Masonic items on display.
To attend the event, please reserve free tickets in advance via Eventbrite. This will help plan the lecture and reception.
The lecture will be livestreamed via YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.
More details are available on the History Department’s website and the Sankey Lecture website.