AR1999.27
Papers of Edward Cusick
(c.1920-1970)

(100 Folders)

Finding Aid

Jennifer Somerwitz - August 1999
The Chancellor Robert R Livingston
Masonic Library of Grand Lodge
General Archives Collection

Livingston Masonic Library
71 W 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010-4171
(212) 337-6620

• Introduction
• Scope and Content Note
• Description of Series
• Folder List

Introduction

The papers of Edward R. Cusick, along with a separate collection of books and other printed materials were found in the collection of the Livingston Masonic Library in 1999. They had originally been stored in a warehouse for a number of years. The books and some souvenir journals were catalogued according to the Boyden system and accessioned into the main part of the collection. Edward R. Cusick (ca.1900-1971) was the author of many articles about African-American Freemasonry, and compiled a vast amount of research on this subject. The archival materials described here reflect this research and the contacts he made throughout the African-American Masonic community.

The collection was separated into 7 series. Where applicable, 3 copies of each document were saved. Restrictions may apply to some documents.

Scope and Content Note

This collection comprises 1.7 linear feet of the papers of Edward R. Cusick. The collection contains materials from the 1920's through the 1970's. The records are in good to poor condition. Some of the correspondence, printed materials and photographs are in good condition, but the large amount of newspaper clippings and the carbon copies of correspondence are highly acidic and brittle. When time and finances permit, acid-free photocopies should be made and used for research purposes instead of the original documents. The collection has been divided into 7 series. They are housed in 4 records cartons, in the stacks with the archives (last row on the right). The documents were originally housed in acidic folders, envelopes and boxes. Where possible, these items have been discarded. Some of the envelopes and folders contained handwritten notes from Cusick on them which provided important descriptions of the materials contained within. These materials have been saved, but placed within acid-free folders. All paperclips and staples have been removed. All of the documents have been arranged chronologically within folders.

Description of Series

Series I--Materials Related to Individual Grand Lodges and Other African-American Masonic Organizations

This series is comprised of correspondence, souvenir journals, programs, letterheads and notes about various African-American Masonic Grand Lodges, such as the Most Worshipful Enoch Grand Lodge, and the United Supreme Council, as well as other Afro-American Masonic organizations, such as the General Grand Masonic Congress and International Masons, Inc. The folders have been organized alphabetically by name of the organization.

Series II--Correspondence

This series is comprised of Cusick's correspondence regarding his research into the history of African-American Freemasonry. The folders have been arranged alphabetically by name of the correspondent.

Series III--Dr. Peter W. Ray/Baron A. Hugo DeBulow Papers

This series is comprised of materials related to a trip Cusick took to Philadelphia to look at the papers of the abovementioned individuals.

Series IV--Legal Suits

This series is comprised of materials on the various legal battles that many of the "bogus" Masonic African-American organizations were involved in.

Series V--Other Correspondence, Notes and Printed Material

This series is comprised of short correspondence, research about individuals, and handwritten notes from Cusick.

Series VI--Newspaper and Magazine Clippings

This series is comprised of newspaper and magazine clippings which usually relate to African-American Freemasonry, or African-American news items. The materials have been arranged chronologically by year.

Series VII--Photographs

This series is comprised of photographs of African-American Freemasons. It has been separated from the rest of the collection because of its physical format.

Folder List

©2004, The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge.