A date has been set for the presentation of THF’s grant to the North Texas Masonic Historical Museum & Library in support of the group’s preservation efforts at the historic Plano Mutual Cemetery. The presentation will take place on site at the North Texas Masonic Library & Museum, the 1894 Plano Lodge in the heart of the Downtown Plano Historic District.

The project focuses on the preservation of monuments and markers in the Masonic section of the Cemetery. The Cemetery is one of the oldest in Collin County, dating back to 1852, and is the final resting place of many of the region’s early pioneer settlers. 

The history of the Cemetery provides interesting insight into the cross-section of social groups that played a role in the development of the young Plano. Early deeds depict a cemetery comprised of sections for the Masons, Knights of Pythias, and the Woodmen of the World, among others, each of whom had purchased tracts for the benefit of their memebers. Nearly a century later, Plano's Masons continue to maintain their section of the historic cemetery, among other civic-minded endeavors.    

The presentation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 28 with members of the NTMHM&L and Texas Historical Foundation Board Members in attendance. A brief tour of the Library and Museum will follow. THF members who would like to attend should contact grants@texashistoricalfoundation.org. 

To learn more about the work of the North Texas Masonic Historical Museum & Library and the history of the Plano Lodge, visit their website.