The Muscle in Making a Museum

A key component of the Heritage Center is the Colonel James B. Ladd Masonic Museum. The Museum, one of few in the country that presents the legacy of Freemasonry, houses thousands of rare and significant artifacts to showcase the history of Minnesota and Masonry’s role in its formation and evolution.

The making of a museum, as we discovered, takes many talented people and some serious project management. From the design of the space itself to the wording of the museum’s narrative and selection of key artifacts, experts were consulted to pull together what we believe is a formidable tribute to Minnesota Masonry. Here’s a glimpse at the muscle that molded the Ladd Museum:

Woodward Design & Outhouse Exhibit Services

Joel Woodward of J. Woodward Design has experience in crafting the look and feel of museums in Minnesota and around the country. His design expertise provided us with a number of options for the museum’s aesthetic and really guided the aesthetic of the entire Center. Joel crafted intricate renderings that allowed us to get a sense of the space and make decisions accordingly. We went from a fairly collegiate-looking perspective to one that more closely represented our culture and history. Joel also designed the narrative panels throughout the museum that guide our visitors through the story of Freemasonry, guided by his extensive background in design and interior architecture.

Adding both their enthusiasm, fabrication and consulting expertise, Paul Nelson and Mia Schillace Nelson, owners of Outhouse Exhibit Services, dug into the details of how the museum exhibits would be placed and what would be placed within them. They then took that information and built us some beautiful exhibit cases and one-of-a-kind displays. Outhouse Exhibit Services brought to us extensive experience in museum and fine art exhibits – from butterfly gardens to caveman displays – and a knack for truly managing the project from start to finish.

Masonic Scholars

We wouldn’t have gotten very far if we had not had the brain power of our Masonic scholars. Planning the content and flow of our galleries took the skills of experts both far and near. Arturo de Hoyos, 33° Grand Cross, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the House of the Temple, and S. Brent Morris, 33° Grand Cross and Managing Editor of The Scottish Rite Journal, traveled from Washington D.C. to consult with us regarding artifact selection and facts to include in our narrative. Terry Tilton, Executive Secretary for The Philalethes Society, and Worshipful Brother Mark Campbell, both of Minnesota, also brought their considerable knowledge of Masonic history to help us craft the narrative and content of our galleries. Right Worshipful Brother Steve Johnson provided his amazing filming and editing talents to provide all of the videos on display in the museum. And Wendy Waszut-Barrett, principal of Bella Scena, served as historical consultant for design and content.

Of course, the real test of our success in creating a world-class museum for all to enjoy will be the response of those who visit. Come see for yourself! Admission is free. Museum hours beginning June 28, 2016:

Monday          Closed
T, W, Th, F             10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday        Noon – 5 p.m.
Sunday           Noon – 3 p.m.