Intriguing Objects from Freemasons and Odd Fellows on Display at Taft Museum
This is no ordinary art exhibition. It’s peculiar, enigmatic, and utterly captivating.
The Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati currently hosts 80 items that reveal the secretive practices of two historically mysterious organizations: the Freemasons and Odd Fellows.
“Mystery & Benevolence” features objects used for generations in the ritualized, often secret ceremonies of these fraternal orders. Visitors can examine scythes, skulls, elaborate costumes, decorative banners, and ceremonial furnishings. The exhibition runs through May 11.
“In the nearly 10 years since ‘Mystery and Benevolence’ first debuted at the American Folk Art Museum, this exhibition continues to enthrall viewers with the enigmatic symbols and rich imagery that gave many of these fraternal societies an intriguing shroud of mystery,” said Emelie Gevalt, the New York museum’s Deputy Director and Chief Curatorial and Program Officer. “The astounding art and objects in this exhibition are a testament to the self-taught artists and artisans whose vast contributions to early American material culture helped ingrain these societies into popular culture for generations.”
While symbols like the skull and crossbones might initially appear disturbing, they were actually part of initiation rituals designed to encourage members to care for one another in life and death.
“People love this exhibit and are fascinated with the subject,” said Ann Glasscock, associate curator at the Taft. “It’s something you can’t see anywhere else. It’s mysterious because we don’t know 100 percent what goes on behind those closed doors. But these items tell you what goes on… up to a certain point. For both of these groups, serving the community and self-improvement is important.”
Meet the Collectors
The artifacts come from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. In the exhibition catalog introduction, Allan Daniel writes that these items were crafted to convey stories, evoke moods, or teach lessons, and were rarely produced by academic artists.
“Before social services were governmentally institutionalized, people established private fraternities that could provide for those needs,” he said. “This concept fascinated and propelled us to seek out objects that we felt were of artistic merit and deserved to be included in the category of folk art.”
One notable example is the heart design featured in much of the Odd Fellows artwork—often depicted as a heart in hand, symbolizing love and friendship.
“The iconic Odd Fellows symbol of the three-link chain, representing Friendship, Love and Truth, projects a simple, powerful message,” said Daniel.
Most items in the collection are handcrafted.
About the Societies
According to Glasscock, when these groups first formed in America, Masons primarily consisted of upper-class members, while Odd Fellows tended to be middle class and employed in various trades.
At the exhibition, visitors learn about these organizations’ histories, their hierarchical structures, membership levels, and lodge arrangements. Freemasonry originated in medieval stonemasons guilds in London in the 1700s, with the American branch established in the 1800s.
The United Grand Lodge of England reports worldwide Freemason membership exceeding 6 million, with 1.1 million in North America. Ohio has one of the largest Masonic memberships in the country, with more than 60,000 Masons and 430 local Lodges. George Washington himself was a Mason.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows today counts more than 600,000 members across over 10,000 lodges in 30 countries. It was established in the United States in 1819.
These original “brotherhoods” were exclusively designed for white men. While the exhibition highlights the richness of fraternal culture, it also shows how excluded groups, including women and African American men, formed their own societies such as the Daughters of Rebekah and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows.
What’s on Display
The exhibition showcases altars, uniforms, and costumes. During Odd Fellows rituals, members wore costumes to portray characters in stories that brought their lessons to life. Freemasons used regalia indicating their ranks and roles within the organization.
Visitors can see brightly painted signs, symbols, and passwords appearing on various objects. American Odd Fellows initially used bow and arrow imagery to teach lessons of friendship. A bundle of sticks demonstrated that those who stand together are stronger than individuals standing alone.
Another popular symbol is the beehive, representing industry and unity—working together toward a common purpose.
The displayed tracing boards are decorated with symbols helping members learn their various duties. These were originally traced onto floors or walls and then erased, but Masonic lodges eventually commissioned illustrated charts.
It’s believed that the Pettibone Brothers Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati may have produced some of the banners on display in 1867. The company manufactured uniforms, costumes, hats, flags, and banners for the military, firefighters, theaters, marching bands, and fraternal organizations.
The Daniels spent 30 years building their unusual collection. “For my wife Kendra and me, fraternal art was considered an under-appreciated area in American folk art,” Allan said. “The hunt for these beautiful, often eerie, and sometimes outre objects has been visually enriching and exciting for us and we hope that it will be eye-opening and fascinating for those attending the exhibition.”
