The history of Aurora's Freemason's Scipio Lodge No. 110 has been uncovered.

Wells College and the local chapter of the Freemasons#, have collaborated to put the history of the lodge on exhibit. Wells College history major Allison Stern will present her senior thesis project, “The Cement that Binds the Nation” as part of the opening day today, in which Stern and members of the Scipio Lodge will be present.

The free exhibit will be displayed throughout the month of April. The Freemasons' Scipio Lodge No. 110 was issued its charter in March of 1797, making it one of the oldest continually operating lodges in New York.

The Lodge's history caught the attention of Stern, who decided to make the establishment the focus of her senior thesis. As she conducted her research, she worked with several Lodge members and past Lodge Masters.

With their help, Stern discovered a wealth of information about the Freemasons.

To complement her research project, the Aurora Masons have brought a 46-panel exhibit to Wells that tells the story of the Scipio Lodge and Freemasonry in the 19th century through a collection of nearly 50 old photographs and memorabilia from the local chapter.

Calling the building “a time capsule,” the exhibit provides an overview of Freemasonry and its practitioners, symbolism and principles. At the same time, it depicts elements of the building's architecture, decorations, symbols and artifacts.

If you go

What: History of Freemason's

Scipio Lodge No. 110 exhibit

When: Regular library hours today through April 30

Where: Long Library, Wells College, Aurora

Cost: Free

For details: Call 364-3356

What: Summary of research by Allison Stern

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Freemason's Scipio Lodge No. 110, 325 Main St., Aurora