Registration Information

Spring 2026 Symposium

Our Spring Symposium will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia in conjunction with the Grand Lodge’s America 250 Celebration.

Speaker Information

Dr. Richard “Ric” Berman

Speaking on “Freemasony’s Impact on the Founding of America”

Dr Richard (Ric) Berman is a British historian who writes about the intersection of freemasonry, politics and society.

He has written four books on British and Irish freemasonry, including The Foundations of Modern Freemasonry; Schism; and Espionage, Diplomacy & the Lodge; and three that explore American freemasonry: Loyalists & Malcontents; From Roanoke to Raleigh; and The Grand Lodge of England & Colonial America – America’s Grand Masters.

Ric holds a Masters in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Doctorate in History from the University of Exeter.

His post-doctoral research was carried out at the University of Oxford’s Modern European History Research Centre and as a Visiting Research Fellow at Oxford Brookes.

Born in London, Ric lives in Oxfordshire.

Following Dr. Berman’s presentation, a moderated panel discussion will be held with Dr. Berman, noted author Bro. B. Chris Ruli, and Bro. Tyler Vanice, Director of Collections at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Upcoming Academy Dates

Saturday, April 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Saturday, October 23, 2027