Historic preservation
Historic Landmark
Built in 1889, our historic building has been a landmark for the East End of downtown Milwaukee. Both State and Federal historical registry designations have been awarded to this unique building.
Historic Artwork and Collections
The Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center houses one of the largest private original art collections in Wisconsin. This collection of paintings which are scattered throughout our cathedral was begun for the Scottish Rite Cathedral by the Class of 1900 and continued by other classes and individuals in the decades since. Most were created in the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of ours.
Paintings such as these delighted viewers in the official international art salons of the period in Paris, London, Munich, Rome and Vienna. Many of the artists represented from various nations, including the United States, were regular exhibitors in the important international competitions. Collectors around the world as well as major museums vied to buy their works. A number of the painters, notably Alfred Stevens, Felix Ziem, Daniel Ridgway Knight and his son, Aston Knight won the silver and gold medals presented annually in Paris and other art capitols.
Stained Glass
The collection of stained glass windows represents lasting gifts by various classes and individuals to the Wisconsin Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Milwaukee over the years. These stained glass windows, antiques and artifacts add to the ambiance, while specific tours can also be coordinated to enhance your event.
Masonic Memorabilia
Collections of Masonic memorabilia including historic photographs, Masonic aprons and glassware date back to the Civil War.
As we approach our 150th year, we are urging our members and the community to make especial note of these fine windows. They were meant to enrich our lives. Let us allow them to do this for us by looking at them often and closely. Through them, we can begin to understand the mystery and joy of aesthetic creation and appreciation.
Local artists and artisans created these handsome windows with designs on Masonic themes. They can be constant sources of refreshment to us, reminders of the beauty and lessons taught in the Scottish Rite degrees.
Historic Libraries
Our two historic libraries are available by appointment for educational and research purposes and contain more than 10,000 volumes of fine literature, scientific documents and books, religious treatises, historical documents and books, engravings, esotery and expeditionary tomes dating to the 17th century.