The records of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Louisiana, have rapidly become one of the most sought - after collections at the Center, despite being a relatively recent acquisition. Donated in 2008 by the Prince Hall Masons Lodge in Baton Rouge, the collection was substantial enough to require two years of meticulous work by archivists to arrange, describe, and catalog it. These records provide an invaluable and rich source of primary documentation, shedding light on the history of African American Freemasonry in
Louisiana and across the United States. They also offer critical insight into pivotal historical periods, including the post - Civil War Reconstruction Era (1865 - 1877), the long civil rights movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries (1878 - 1954), and the modern civil rights movement (1955 - 1968). Additionally, the collection contains rare late 19th and early 20th - century photographs of African Americans, enriching our understanding of the era. The Prince Hall Collection housed at Tulane University ’ s Amistad Research Center stands as an irreplaceable and invaluable resource, not only for the history of African Americans but also for the broader narrative of American history and global Freemasonry. This collection provides
profound insights into the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of the Prince Hall Masons, an African American fraternity that has played a critical role in both social justice movements and the preservation of African American culture for more than a century. Its significance extends beyond regional boundaries, offering essential documentation for scholars and historians interested in exploring the development of African American identity, Freemasonry, and their collective impact on social change. The Prince Hall Collection includes records dating back more than 150 years, and within its vast scope are invaluable documents that shed light on pivotal moments in history, such as the Reconstruction period, the civil rights struggles of the late 19th and early 20th
13
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online