Treasure Hunt in History (2 of 4)

Freemasonry and a Modern President

Harry S. Truman

President Truman joined the Masons in 1909. On October 19, 1945, he was coroneted a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

color portrait of President Truman in Masonic regalia

Caption: Color portrait of President Truman in the regalia of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, a post that he held from 1940 to 1941. This portrait, painted by Greta Kempton, was unveiled in 1949. (NLHST #67-938)

President Truman at dedication of statue of George Washington at George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Caption: President Truman addressing the audience at the dedication of a statue of George Washington at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, VA on February 22, 1950. (ARC Identifer: 200177, NLHST #65-2302)

To find this photograph or other digital images in NARA's holdings, visit our Archival Research Catalog (ARC).

President Truman's remarks at the dedication ceremony are available on the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum web site.