Mystery & Benevolence

MASONIC AND ODD FELLOWS FOLK ART

Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art

February 1–May 11, 2025 | Fifth Third Gallery

Through compelling and cryptic works of art, Mystery and Benevolence brings to light the histories, symbolism, and beliefs of the Freemasons and the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF)—two fraternal organizations with deep roots in American history. For decades, members across the country have come together to socialize, help others, and improve themselves and their communities. The exhibition features more than eighty works of art, including items once owned by the Daughters of Rebekah—the first lodge to include women—and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, founded as the African American counterpart to the IOOF. Sculptures, textiles, regalia, prints, and works of decorative art explore the main principles of the organizations: fellowship, charity, labor, passage, and wisdom. Elaborately stitched costumes, gilded regalia and jewelry, and richly embellished ceremonial objects provide a glimpse into the enigmatic world of these secret societies.

Mystery and Benevolence is organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York, NY, from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

DAILY ADMISSION FREE SUNDAYS & MONDAYS

Admission is free for Taft members, guests of members with guest pass, military, and youth (17 and under); $15 for adults; $12 for seniors. Includes admission to special exhibitions and the museum’s collection galleries. Sundays and Mondays are FREE!

Experience the Exhibition

Enjoy special tours, behind-the-scenes insights, and more during this unique exhibition!

Masonic Royal Arch Plaque, probably Natick, Massachusetts, 1899, wood, with printed and painted paper. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of the Hirschhorn Foundation, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Members’ Opening Reception | Mystery & Benevolence

Thursday, January 30

5–8 p.m.

Join us for an exclusive members’ opening and be one of the first to explore this exciting exhibition. This event will include remarks from President & CEO Rebekah Beaulieu. Enjoy music and refreshments, including light bites. Valet parking available.

Free for Taft members, $20 for guests of members. Cash bar. Taft members at Sustaining ($275+) Level will receive a complimentary drink ticket.  

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9. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Bow and Arrows Plaque for First Degree, detail, 1860–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood, with metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Members’ Preview Day & Tours | Myster & Benevolence

Friday, January 31

10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Staff-led tour at 11 a.m.) 

Join us for an exclusive members’ preview day! Tour available with advance registration.  

Free for Taft members and guests of members with guest pass. 

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Lunch & Learn

Last Friday of the Month

12–1 p.m.

Explore Cincinnati’s past, present, and future during our Lunch & Learn events! In collaboration with local experts, these lunch hour talks reveal the Queen City’s culture from new perspectives.

January 31 | The Brothers of the Queen City

These are free events. Optional box lunch: $10 for Taft members; $15 for non-members. Museum admission sold separately. Registration is required one week in advance for boxed lunches.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

FREE! Family Funday

Mystery and Benevolence

Sunday, February 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition, Mystery & Benevolence, with the whole family! Create your own works of art with your family and enjoy food specials inspired by the exhibition. Rock out with School of Rock Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in the afternoon.

This is a free event! Registration is not required.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

15. Independent Order of Odd Fellows Daughters of Rebekah Past Noble Grand Jewel, about 1937, gold and silver. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Signature Talk | From the Curator

Sunday, February 9

2–3 p.m.

Speaker | Ann Glasscock, PhD

The fascinating works in Mystery & Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art allow us to step into the world of the nation’s oldest fraternal organizations. Many of the objects on view are both familiar and strange, macabre yet alluring. In this talk, Associate Curator Ann Glasscock, PhD, will decode hidden messages and aim to dispel myths about these “secret societies.” She will also explore several institutional connections: Taft Museum of Art co-founder Charles Phelps Taft was a high-ranking Mason, and his father, Alphonso Taft, co-founded Yale University’s enigmatic Skull and Bones society in 1832.

Free for Taft members; $5 for non-members. Event admission includes the opportunity for attendees to view the special exhibition before the talk.

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Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Supported by the Stanley and Frances D. Cohen Lecture Series.

Writing Circle | Mystery & Benevolence

Sunday, February 16

1–3:30 p.m.

Led by Women Writing for (a) Change, this writing circle is inspired by Mystery & Benevolence. Participants will be guided by a docent through the exhibition and engage in a facilitated writing circle in response to the art.

Bring your favorite writing materials or use the supplies provided. Time will be given for independent writing and reflection on the exhibition. Participants will reassemble for a read around, when everyone is invited (not obligated) to read part or all of what they wrote during the session. We’ll conclude with time for crosstalk and feedback.

New and experienced writers are welcome. Recommended for ages 16+. We encourage you to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time.

$25 for Taft members, $35 for non-members. Registration is required at WomenWriting.org. Includes admission to special exhibitions and the museum's collection galleries located in the Taft historic house. Please note: the Taft cannot process refunds for this program.

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Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Create & Play

Third Wednesday of the Month

10:15–11 a.m.

Explore the galleries with your young one while learning about art through guided activities and interactive games. Then get creative in the studio and make your own masterpiece to take home. This monthly program is designed for children ages 2–6 and their caregivers.

February 19 | Mystery & Benevolence

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Reason Bell Crafft (American, 1812–1873), Masonic Master Mason Apron, detail, 1855–1865, ink, paint, and gold paint on leather, with silk binding. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Tour | Cincinnati Masonic Center

Thursday, March 13

11 a.m.–12 p.m.

317 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Join us for a tour of the Cincinnati Masonic Center, home of the Valley of Cincinnati, local branch of Freemasonry. The building also includes the Taft Theatre, named in honor of Taft Museum of Art co-founder Charles Phelps Taft, who belonged to a Cincinnati lodge. Designed by architect Harry Haike, the building houses seven meeting spaces, two auditoriums, four dining rooms and a ballroom. This tour will view Freemasonry through both a historical and contemporary lens, providing insight into the impact this fraternal organization has had on the city, and still has today.

$15 for Taft members, $20 for non-members. Registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

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Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sword with Scales, detail, 1850–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood, with metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Tour | Spring Grove Cemetery: The Odd Fellows Tour (Tram)

Sunday, April 6

1–3 p.m.

4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232

This tour will introduce the history of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the second largest fraternal organization in 19th-century America, and provide insights into their philosophies and practices. Meet some of the many Odd Fellows interred in Spring Grove and gain insight into life and death in the 19th century.

$15 for Taft members, $20 for non-members. Registration is required and limited to 24 participants.

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Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Mystery & Benevolence is organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York, NY, from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.