A History of Freemasonry and the English Culture of Oldham County
Exhibit from June 2 through Sept. 9
Oldham County History Center

This exhibit explores the contributions of English culture and history of Freemasonry in our region with special emphasis on the Mount and Morris families. During the mid-1800s and early 1900s Amanda and James Mount and their family, lived in what is now the Oldham County Historical Society Archives and Library. Amanda Railey Mount was the great-niece of Elizabeth Railey who was Thomas Jefferson's mother. During the Civil War, Amanda received correspondence from her nephew, Amos Mount, during his service in the 6 th Regiment of the Union Army. The letters from Amos to his Aunt describing his experiences as a soldier will be on display as a part of the exhibit.

The exhibit will include sections about Freemasonry, Rob Morris and the Eastern Star. Freemasonry arrived via the United States from the sailors and masons of Royal Navy from Great Britain. As westward expansion began so did the lodges of Freemasonry establish themselves across the United States. The Fortitude Lodge #47 of Oldham County was established in 1818. The Eastern Star was founded by Rob Morris who saw the need for a women's organization that mirrored the ideals of the Freemasons. Morris was professor at the Masonic University in LaGrange, which was the first and only Masonic School in the United States. Oldham County is also home to a Prince Hall Lodge, an African American Freemason's lodge. Prince Hall Lodges were established in 1775 and became the first interstate organizations of black people in America.

Features of this exhibit will also contain: History of local Freemasonry Lodges, History of Rob Morris and Mount Families, Display of the Amos Mount Civil War Letters, Display of personal artifacts from other English families such as Louise Head Duncan, William Taylor and David Weller, A Key to Symbols of Freemasonry, Display of artifacts and records from the Masonic University

Special Events and Activities for this exhibit:

June 17 : 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration Special talk on Prince Hall Lodges by Mr. Johnny Ware, Prince Hall Lodge 172

July 12 : "A History of Freemasonry: from England to Oldham County" by John Ward

August 20 : Dedication of the Rob Morris Church on History Center Grounds

August 24: The Queen's Luncheon: Special Lunch prepared according to the lunch given to Queen Elizabeth when she came to Hermitage Farm in Oldham County, 1986

Saturday Morning Tours of the Rob Morris Home: June 3 through the Fall: Now taking reservations: $3 per person Call 502-222-0826 for more information