Open House - May 24, 2025

Hosted by the Masons’ Hall Historic Preservation Foundation and Richmond Randolph Lodge #19.

Join us for Randolph-Marshall Day, a public event celebrating the civic and Masonic legacy of Edmund Randolph and John Marshall—two of the most influential figures in early American history and instrumental in Richmond’s rise as the Commonwealth’s new capital.

Held at Historic Masons’ Hall, one of Richmond’s oldest surviving public buildings still in use, the event explores how a generation of early Masons helped shape the city’s legal, civic, and architectural foundations in the decades following the American Revolution.

The program opens with a presentation on “The Masons Who Built a Capital”, highlighting the role Masons’ Hall and its members played in the planning and development of Richmond as Virginia’s seat of government. The talk will feature figures like John Marshall, along with other civic leaders, builders, and business owners whose influence helped define the city’s early identity. From courthouse squares to commercial growth, this presentation offers a glimpse into how fraternity and civic duty intersected in shaping the capital’s future.

Following that, we are honored to welcome The Honorable Gino Williams, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, as our keynote speaker. Judge Williams serves on the General District Court for Virginia’s 27th Judicial District, with more than two decades on the bench—fifteen of those years as Chief Judge. His remarks will explore the life and legacy of Edmund Randolph, a key Founding Father, Virginia Governor, U.S. Attorney General, and Secretary of State.

Guided tours of Historic Masons’ Hall will follow the presentations, giving attendees a chance to experience one of Richmond’s most storied buildings and learn about ongoing efforts to preserve it.

Admission is free and open to the public.
Donations are encouraged and support the preservation of Historic Masons’ Hall for future generations.