Skip to content

Museum object · Clothing - Fashion and Historical

Masonic apron from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts

late 18th century

Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Dorchester, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Source image for Masonic apron from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of MassachusettsLoading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A masonic apron from the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The apron is composed of a front piece (2013.71.1a) and two ties (2013.71.1bc). The front of the apron is likely silk and constructed from two pieces sewn together along the top edge. Both have a white central field with blue borders. The main piece is a rough square featuring a compass and sun painted in gold. The upper piece is an isosceles triangle coming to a point 6 3/4" from the top of the apron. It features a gold painted illustration of an eye in the middle of a radiating design. The apron is backed with undecorated cotton or linen, which is discolored and stained. The two detached ribbon ties are blue and likely made of silk.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2013.71.1abc

Continue exploring Series 1

Everyday Life & Community →

Explore all Series 1 cards →