Fraternal organizations have been an important fixture of American community life since the nation’s founding. Join Jeffrey Croteau and Hilary Anderson Stelling of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library as they share the types of fraternal records that exist, where to find them, and how these records can unlock mysteries in your family history research.

Following the talk, Jeffrey and Hilary will lead an audience memorabilia show and tell! Do you have a membership card, article of clothing, jewelry, photograph, or other item pertaining to your ancestor’s membership in a fraternal organization? Bring it along and receive expert advice on identifying your item, caring for it, and understanding its historical significance.

Jeffrey Croteau is Director of Library & Archives for the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he has been the museum’s librarian since 2007. He is responsible for many aspects of the library, including collection development, cataloging, and providing reference services. He also writes about the library’s collection for the museum’s blog and various other publications.

Hilary Anderson Stelling, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, is responsible for the interpretation, development, and care of the museum’s collection of Masonic, fraternal, and American history-related objects. A graduate of the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture, she holds a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University.