As Freemasons, we are proud of our rich and long-standing Masonic history. The Masonic apron is precisely the symbol that reminds us of our history and our commitment to the values of the Craft and to honor our Brothers who have come before us. Proudly worn by Masons across the globe, Masonic aprons originated in the early 1700s. Now, centuries later, aprons remain a lasting symbol of Masonic values, authenticity, and ancestral pride.
Are you interested in learning more about the historical significance and symbolism behind Masonic aprons? Below is a list of resources - videos, articles, essays, books etc. - that provide information and the historical context behind these special garments.
MASONIC APRON RESOURCE LIBRARY
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Masonic Aprons Archives
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library’s blog has an entire category dedicated to Masonic aprons. Check out posts about recently acquired aprons, as well as any apron-themed exhibitions and programs hosted by the Museum.
The Badge of a Freemason: New Stories from Old Aprons - Sankey Lecture Series in Masonic Studies
Dr. Aimee Newell, formerly the Director of Collections at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, highlights several examples of aprons from the Museum’s collections in this lecture sponsored by the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario and Brock University. Newell shows us what we can learn about the history of Freemasonry by examining artifacts like aprons
The Badge of a Freemason: Masonic Aprons from the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
A richly illustrated, full color book showcases the Museum's collection, which is considered one of the finest assemblages of its kind. The Badge of a Freemason advances the scholarship surrounding this important and deeply personal symbol and raises the collection's visibility among Masons and scholars worldwide.
The Masonic Apron - Spiritual Meaning
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Arkansas, F.&A.M. delves into the spiritual meaning of the Masonic apron, including how its shape is emblematic of the seven cardinal virtues.
The Symbolism and Design of the Masonic Apron
The Phoenixmasonry Masonic Museum and Library has transcribed a lecture on the apron’s symbolism given by W. Bro. C.J.E. Hudspeth, PM, AMIE Australia in 1949. Accompanying the lecture are beautiful images of taus and tassels, so this is definitely a resource worth checking out.
The Apron and its Symbolism
Originally published in the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, UGLE’s publication, the Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, this essay by Bro. F.R. Worts includes a detailed history of the apron, in addition to the symbolism of its various elements.
Masonic Aprons
This blog post from Bricks Masons, a producer of handmade Masonic aprons, explores the rich tradition of the Masonic apron and why Master Masons should wear it with pride.
The Masonic Apron
The Skirret, an online repository for articles of Masonic interest, includes this article by Christopher A. Harris, MPS FGCR, explaining why the Masonic apron is so much more than just a piece of cloth or lambskin -- it is the distinguished badge of a Mason.
Emblems of Innocence and Honor: The Masonic Apron
This video documentary, produced by the Masonic Grand Lodge of California and the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry, explores the historical roots of the Masonic apron.
Masonic Education #1 Aprons
In this video, Dirk Hughes, Director of the Michigan Masonic Museum and Library, provides a quick introduction to the reasons why Masons wear aprons, as well as a glimpse into the Museum’s collection of aprons from across the ages.
An Apron Lecture
While the exact origin is unknown, this lecture is a meditation on the emblem of the Masonic apron. It also incorporates verses from the poem “The Apron,” written by Robert Morris, LL.D.
Brother Washington’s apron – a Masonic mystery (part 1 of 3)
The first in a three-part series by the National Museum of American History, this blog post investigates whether a certain Masonic apron belonged to famous Mason Bro. George Washington.
Brother Washington’s apron – a Masonic mystery (part 2 of 3)
Continuing the investigation into a purported Washington apron, curators and conservators from the National Museum of American History analyze the design of the apron.
Brother Washington’s apron – a Masonic mystery (part 3 of 3)
Don’t miss the conclusion of this “Masonic mystery” series! In this post, the Museum puts the apron under the microscope to determine if this historic apron truly belonged to Bro. George Washington.
The Doorway of Freemasonry and The Mason’s Apron
William Harvey’s book explores the origin and meaning of the word "Tyler," as well as the historical usages and symbolism of the Masonic apron.
Lambskin Apron Finally, we also have an interesting and beautiful poem written by Brother D. L. Clements in 1917 that speaks to the importance and value of the lambskin apron and its connections to Freemasonry.