The Role of Freemasons in Presidential Funerals

As many of the Presidents of the United States of America have also been members of the Freemasons, it is not surprising that the organization has long been involved with presidential funerals. The history of Freemasons and presidential funerals goes back to the very beginning. Despite the fact George Washington asked for no “funeral Oration” upon his death in 1799, Martha Washington allowed the Freemasons to hold final burial ceremonies for the first president. During his lecture, Louis Picone explained the role of Freemason’s recurring role in several of the president’s funerals, burials, and tomb dedications from Washington into the twentieth century. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York or the Chancellor Robert R Livingston Library.