The DI staff in Kansas City, including the interns and Past Grand Master Patterson, have worked hard over the last few months to inventory and preserve the DeMolay artifacts. UV-resistant materials have been used to house the many, historical paper materials. Also, they have developed the themes that we are featuring. And yes, there is much more to be done. This week’s post features DeMolay’s own presidential library.

Let’s start with President Harry Truman. Here is a video, via YouTube, of founder Frank Land and President Truman presenting a Kansas City leader an award.

It is no wonder that Dad Land became “Dad” to so many; his engaging voice is reflected in this video.

Truman’s oval office desk sported his now famous motto: “The Buck Stops Here!” He was, in fact, a President called upon to make important decisions that vaulted the United States to worldwide prominence, carrying forard the Franklin Roosevelt legacy. Truman made the decision to bring World War II to a decisive end with the bomb. He increased the minimum wage and stood firm supporting the advancement of African American rights. And he engaged the Korean conflict.

Dad Land eventually served as a trustee for the Harry Truman Presidential Library. The archives include many signed letters from Truman, as President, to Frank Land as well as art work and Masonic jewelry.

The Lincoln – Douglas Debates. Perhaps the most significant debate in American history, it was for a senatorial seat in Illinois between incumbent Stephen A. Douglas and challenger Abraham Lincoln. And it ultimately led to the oval office. The main issue, in all seven of the debate series, was slavery. The DeMolay Museum is honored to have received this part of a tree under which the Lincoln Douglas Debates took place.

President William J. Clinton. Brother Bill Clinton, an Arkansas DeMolay, served two full terms as the 42nd President. He is a PSMC Arkansas, and after his term, he continued to visit other jurisidictional conclaves around the country. During his Presidential term, Brother Bill became the President that balanced the budget, and he even left social security flush with cash. He left office with the highest approval rating of any President since World War II.

The DeMolay Foundation’s Harrisburg PA Reconnecting with DeMolay gathering will be on October 20, 2019 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Sunday, 2:00 pm. Grand Master Whitaker targeted his goal to strengthen alumni relations. This will be a social event from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Please request a seat by submitting this form:

The DeMolay Foundation’s Tulsa OK Reconnecting with DeMolay gathering will be on November 14, 2019 at the Celebrity Restaurant, Thursday, 6:30 pm. Grand Master Whitaker targeted his goal to strengthen alumni relations. This will be a social event from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Please request a seat by submitting this form:

The DeMolay Foundation’s first Reconnecting with DeMolay gathering will be in Nashville, Tennessee on October 19, 2019 at the Al Menah Shrine, Saturday, 6:30 pm. Grand Master Whitaker will be attending. He targeted his goal to strengthen alumni relations. This will be a social event.

Please request a seat by submitting this form:

Pennsylvania DeMolay’s Keyman University is a week-long program that imbues leadership, brotherhood, and character to each member. The program covers many aspects – the benefits underlying ritual performance, philosophies of communication, humor, and specific leadership skills. The Keyman University utilizes a scenario-based role playing approach that teaches participants to think, react and respond ethically. You can get a better understanding of Keyman University by visiting their robust web site, https://keyman.pademolay.org.

DeMolay’s 100 year heritage comes to life in its DeMolay Museum. In 2019, the DeMolay Foundation initiated efforts to create a history museum that links Kansas City, Masonry, and DeMolay. The Foundation, as owner of most of the DeMolay artifacts, seeks to improve the archival storage of items that are as many as 100 years old.

Our first post tells the story of DeMolay’s founding. We hope you enjoy these photographs, and that you look forward to a more robust museum effort.