82S11331 JH-D
By: Veasey H.R. No. 272
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library
Museum in Fort Worth celebrated its official opening on June 25,
2011; and
WHEREAS, Located at the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Temple, the
library museum focuses on the rich history of African American
Freemasonry in Texas, which spans 136 years; and
WHEREAS, The facility displays a broad range of artifacts
related to the fraternal order, including ornate furnishings and
ritual items used by its members through the years as well as
portraits of past grand masters; and
WHEREAS, Among the documents housed in the library museum are
the 1876 charter for San Antonio Lodge No. 1, the first in the Lone
Star State; in addition, the archive of membership records includes
detailed information on the families of past Masons, which will be a
valuable resource for genealogical researchers; and
WHEREAS, Through the decades, African American Masonic
lodges have played an integral role in the development of
communities through the State of Texas, and the Wilbert M. Curtis
Texas Prince Hall Library Museum serves as a showcase for
interesting and informative material about these vibrant
organizations and the dedicated individuals who have helped guide
their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commemorate the opening of
the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum in Fort Worth
and commend all those responsible for the creation of this notable
cultural resource; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.