ICHF 2013

International Conference
on the History of Freemasonry 2013

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY
FREEMASONS’ HALL, 96 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
24 MAY- 26 MAY 2013

The first International Conference on the History of Freemasonry was held in 2007 to establish whether or not Freemasonry could be considered a single separate subject worthy of its own platform. It is now clear based on the successes of ICHF 2007, 2009 and 2011 that answer is a resounding, YES. Whilst the organisers welcome invitations from Masonic bodies throughout the world to host ICHF within their own locale, there is something comforting in bringing ICHF 2013 back to where it began; Freemasons’ Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland. 2013 is significant in several respects, not least because it marks the 200th anniversary of the 1813 union of the two English Grand Lodges, the Ancient and Moderns, under the auspices of the Duke of Sussex (1773 - 1843). Undoubtedly a number of researchers will submit proposals for papers on this very subject.

Lodge Aitcheson's Haven

1813 also saw the admission of Lodge Aitcheson’s Haven to The Grand Lodge of Scotland - the significance being that this Lodge’s records are the oldest extant, commencing on 9th January 1599. As many are aware Edinburgh is known as the ‘Athens of the North’ due to its much admired architecture. Worthy also of note is that several famous architects who lived and worked in Edinburgh were indeed Freemasons, some examples being Robert and James Adam (1728 – 92 and 1732 – 94 respectively), Charles R. Cockerell (1788 – 1863), David Bryce (1803 – 76) and Sir Robert Lorimer (1864 – 1929). As stated definitively in the Statement of Purpose it is the intent of the Promoters, Supersonic Events Ltd., to ensure that any profits generated from these conferences are directed to and for the promotion of Freemasonry.

Young Researchers Fund

It is anticipated that the Promoters will shortly be in a position to create a Young Researchers Fund – details to follow in the Second Announcement.

Despite considerable rising costs to hold these events, the Organisers are pleased to announce that the cost of attending ICHF 2013 will be £250. The future of ICHF is bright as recent discussions have secured a Canadian venue for ICHF 2015. Further details of this and ICHF 2017 will be released in due course.

Held under the Patronage of:

Charles Iain R. Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont
The Grand Master Mason

J.M. Marcus Humphrey of Dinnet, C.B.E. O.St.J
The Sovereign Grand Commander of
The Supreme Council for Scotland of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

Sir Archibald D. Orr Ewing, Bt. MA
The Deputy Grand Master and Governor of the Royal Order of Scotland

with the special Patronage of:
11th Earl of Elgin and 15th Earl of Kincardine, KT

and with the support of:
The Academic Society for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism
Centre interdisciplinaire bordelais d’étude des lumières-Lumières Nature Société
Université de Bordeaux III Centre d’étude de la Littérature Françaises des XVIIe
et XVIIIe Siècles (CELLF)
Sorbonne IV. Paris Chair of Freemassonary, Faculty of Religious Studies
University of Leiden Centre de la Méditerrannée Moderne et Contemporaine
Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, The Interdisciplinary Research Group Freemasonry
The Free University of Brussels

The conference is supported by numerous academic institutions.

Conference promoted by:
Supersonic Events Ltd.