Sponsored by the 15th North, 15th South, and 14th Masonic Districts
Exclusive Tour of Massachusetts' Secret Cold War Fortress | Registration Required
Event Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Event Time:
6:00 PM Dinner (with reservation) & Candidate Instruction
7:00 PM Opening of Lodge of Instruction
Open to: All Master Masons in good standing, family members, and guests
Location: MEMA, 400 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01702
Cost: Free admission. We are offering dinner for $20 per person (chicken broccoli and ziti or vegetarian eggplant parmesan, both with salad and rolls)
Registration Deadline: April 26, 2026 at 11:00 PM
About This Exclusive Tour
Step inside Massachusetts' secret Cold War fortress—a rare opportunity to explore the underground MEMA Operations Bunker, built 30-40 feet below ground. This blast-proof facility was the FIRST state emergency operations center in the nation, dedicated on November 16, 1963, just 10 days before President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
What You'll Experience
Tour the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and see original 1960s Civil Defense infrastructure still in use today, including communications centers, control rooms, historical artifacts, and self-sufficient systems designed for 30-day operations. The facility features triple-redundant diesel generators, independent water wells, angled entrance ramps for fallout protection, and sleeping facilities—all built to ensure continuity of government during nuclear attack.
Presidential Legacy
President Kennedy's vision became reality in Massachusetts. A letter from his aide, dated November 22, 1963—the day of JFK's assassination—still hangs in the bunker's lobby. This 1-acre underground facility, costing $2.5M in 1963, was designed to house 300 officials and represents state-of-the-art Cold War technology.
Active Facility Today
From Cold War relic to modern emergency response center—still serving Massachusetts after 60+ years! The bunker serves as active MEMA headquarters, coordinating responses to blizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and functioning as the Boston Marathon coordination center and hub for 30+ agencies during emergencies with 24/7 communications monitoring.
Why Attend
- Educational: Learn about Cold War history and Massachusetts' role in national defense
- Rare Access: Tour an active government facility not typically open to the public
- Presidential Connection: Walk where JFK's vision became reality
- Fellowship: Share this unique experience with your Brethren and families
- Living History: See how 1960s technology still protects Massachusetts today
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