Step back in time at the newly opened JA Brown Masonic Museum in Ramsey
The Isle of Man has a rich and fascinating masonic heritage, and now visitors and locals alike can explore it at the newly opened JA Brown Masonic Museum. Officially unveiled by Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer at a gala dinner in Ramsey on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, this museum celebrates over a century of freemasonry on the Island and the influential figures who shaped our community.
This museum marks a triumphant restoration of masonic history. A century ago, in 1926, the Island's freemasons established their first museum to showcase masonic artifacts and memorabilia. Over the decades, however, the original collection fell into disrepair, with priceless items scattered across masonic halls and private homes throughout the Isle of Man. The new museum brings these treasures back together, creating a unified space where the story of freemasonry on the Island can be properly told.
Among the exhibits, visitors will discover the lives of prominent Island figures including T H Nesbitt (1858–1934), the first Douglas town clerk, and Reverend Ernest Stenning (1958–1964), who served as Archdeacon of Man. Rev. Stenning was also a renowned science teacher at King William's College and a dedicated steward for the TT and Manx Grand Prix races. Their stories reveal how freemasonry shaped the social and civic life of the Island.
The museum represents years of dedicated work by local masons, with special credit due to the late Ed Mullan, whose passion for preserving the Island's masonic heritage inspired the project. The gala opening was hosted by Michael Shimmin and Caroline Craige, heads of the local men's and women's Freemasons, and featured entertainment by musician Toby Higgins. The menu even echoed the original 1926 opening dinner—a beautiful nod to the museum's historical roots.
The JA Brown Masonic Museum is situated within the Ramsey Masonic Centre and will open to the public this summer. Whether you're a history enthusiast, curious about local heritage, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience during your Isle of Man visit, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the Island's masonic past and the remarkable individuals who built our community.
Source: Read full article on ManxRadio