Center for Fraternal Collections and Research

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Center for Fraternal Collections and Research Supports research, collections, exhibitions, programs and media about fraternal history

So, what have we been doing? We are in the process of digitizing a LARGE donation of Independent Order of Odd Fellows re...
10/08/2026

So, what have we been doing? We are in the process of digitizing a LARGE donation of Independent Order of Odd Fellows records that we rescued! Many things... that look like this! And, many, many other minute books from lodges that closed! 📖 Stay tuned!

We've been busy ... Now located in Indianapolis! Snail mail can be sent to: Center for Fraternal Collections and Researc...
09/07/2026

We've been busy ... Now located in Indianapolis! Snail mail can be sent to: Center for Fraternal Collections and Research, School of Liberal Arts, 425 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202; Email and other info remains the same! Stay tuned for upcoming events and much more. Donations (via IU Foundation) and webpage remain the same. Let us know if you have questions! Still busy saving the stuff. ⏳

05/09/2026

Did you know sororities such as Kappa Kappa Gamma UIUC had a wake system in the 1970s? Before quieter alarm clocks, the sisters would quietly wake each other up at the time a sister would request.

Before modern insurance or social safety nets, fraternal groups often provided financial support to members during illne...
03/23/2026

Before modern insurance or social safety nets, fraternal groups often provided financial support to members during illness, injury, or death.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was known for its strong commitment to charity, care for the sick, and burial support. We've helped preserve countless Odd Fellows Minute Books from long defunct lodges.

Their motto says it all: Friendship, Love, and Truth. 🔗❤

Freemasonry was one of the earliest and most influential fraternal organizations in the United States. Many leaders of t...
03/16/2026

Freemasonry was one of the earliest and most influential fraternal organizations in the United States. Many leaders of the early republic, including George Washington, were Masons.

Lodges provided spaces where members gathered for ritual, fellowship, and civic engagement. Across the country, Masonic lodges became important centers of community life. 🇺🇸

Want to learn more? Check out the book "A Deserving Brother," by our board member Mark A. Tabbert published by UVA Press. It is a comprehensive book that separates fact from fiction about George Washington's involvement with Freemasonry, detailing his known associations through artifacts, documents, and historical context.

Myth: Everything in a lodge archive is secret.Reality: Much of it is community history like parades, charity drives, war...
03/12/2026

Myth: Everything in a lodge archive is secret.

Reality: Much of it is community history like parades, charity drives, war relief work, local business leadership.

Images: The Fraternal Union of America parade float (F.U.A.). The sign on the left side of the float reads read "Denver, Colo. "The young giant of the west." Death losses paid over $1,500,000 - $37,000,000 of insurance in force." Another sign on the float reads "We lead. Others follow Sylvanite Lodge No. 2 F.U. of A. Boulder Colo." 2nd: Fraternal Aid Association float in the Seattle Potlatch Parade, Seattle, c. 1912.

250 Years of Americans Meeting in Lodges: For more than two centuries, Americans have gathered in lodge rooms, grange ha...
03/09/2026

250 Years of Americans Meeting in Lodges: For more than two centuries, Americans have gathered in lodge rooms, grange halls, pythian castles, churches and various meeting spaces to build community, support one another, and practice leadership. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re exploring the role fraternal organizations played in shaping everyday American life. From mutual aid to civic leadership, these groups helped communities thrive. Do you have a family a member who is a member of a fraternal organization? 👁⏳🎩

The Grange has been supporting rural communities since 1867. Events often include agricultural displays… though this mig...
03/08/2026

The Grange has been supporting rural communities since 1867. Events often include agricultural displays… though this might be the most corn we’ve seen in one lodge room. 🌽🌽🌽

Historic artificact? Check! And, fraternal history? Check! 🇺🇸
02/25/2026

Historic artificact? Check! And, fraternal history? Check! 🇺🇸

That’s not dust. That’s history.And if we don’t preserve it, we lose it.Does your lodge have minute books in storage? Le...
02/24/2026

That’s not dust. That’s history.
And if we don’t preserve it, we lose it.

Does your lodge have minute books in storage? Let’s talk.

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School Of Liberal Arts, 425 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

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