Prince Hall Grand Lodge
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This Masonic lodge was named after Rev. Prince Hall, founder of Freemasonry among African-Americans. The first Grand Master of African Masonry was Absalom Jones, organizer in 1797 of Philadelphia's first lodge, the African Lodge of Free Masons.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the early republic, when most fraternal orders barred Black members, African Americans built their own tradition of Freemasonry tracing back to Prince Hall of Boston. Philadelphia became an early stronghold, and in 1797 Absalom Jones—already famous as a founder of the Free African Society and the first Black Episcopal priest—organized the city's African Lodge and served as its first Grand Master.
Why it matters
Black Masonic lodges were among the first independent institutions built by free African Americans, offering mutual aid, leadership training, and a space for community organizing that endured for generations.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center4.5 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia4.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House4.6 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery4.7 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center4.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery4.7 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle2.7 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir3.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.8 mi away
- Philly Gun Range3.9 mi away · North Percy Street
- Rocky Steps4.1 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo4.1 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe4.7 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'4.7 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters4.7 mi away
- Burger King4.7 mi away
- Bubble Tea Room4.7 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe4.7 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia4.4 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center4.4 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia4.4 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City4.5 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA4.6 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City4.6 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Rev. Prince Hall
- · Absalom Jones
Related events
- · Founding of Philadelphia's African Lodge of Free Masons (1797)
Themes & tags
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