Thad Peterson, Director of The Freiberg Museum

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In this episode of MAGI: MLMA & IU, host Glenn Visscher takes us on a transatlantic journey to Bayreuth, Germany, for a fascinating conversation with Thad Peterson, director of the Freimaurer Museum—Germany’s National Masonic Museum. Thad shares his unique path from the United States to his leadership role in one of Europe’s key Masonic repositories, offering insights into the world of Masonic collections, research, and museum operations.

Listeners will discover the history behind the museum’s remarkable collection—much of which was plundered during the 1930s—and how only a few precious artifacts have made their way back. Thad describes standout items in the museum, from 18th-century Masonic aprons and dioramas to a rare collection of firing glasses, and discusses what it’s really like to oversee a historical institution with limited resources.

The episode also delves into the challenges of running a small museum—navigating finances, cataloguing vast collections, and preserving Masonic history for future generations. Thad explains the museum’s mission to interpret and explain Freemasonry to the public, not just showcase artifacts, and shares how the institution is adapting for the future, including new digital projects and their ongoing efforts to engage young people.

Whether you’re a Masonic researcher, a museum enthusiast, or simply curious about hidden gems of European history, this episode offers a compelling look behind the scenes of one of Freemasonry’s most important cultural institutions. Tune in for a captivating discussion about heritage, history, and the passion that drives curators to keep these stories alive.