Shriners

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Shriners International, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS), is an American Masonic society. Founded in 1872 in New York City, it is headquartered in Tampa, Florida and has over 200 chapters across nine countries.^[1] The fraternity has nearly 200,000 members, or "Shriners", around the world.

Shriners International describes itself as a global fraternity "based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth".^[2] Membership is open to men who have reached the level of Master Mason in Freemasonry; various partner organizations are open to women and youth.^[3] Shriners are obliged to uphold the fraternity's mission and values, which include fostering self-improvement through leadership and community service, taking part in social events and activities, and participating in charitable and philanthropic causes, particularly the Shriners Children's network of nonprofit pediatric medical facilities.^[4]

Shriners International is known for its Middle Eastern-inspired iconography, ceremonies, and theme: Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear, while fraternal regalia often features camels, pyramids, the Sphinx and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian motifs. Local chapters are sometimes called "temples" and have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco, and Oasis; many are built in the Moorish Revival style. The organization is governed by the "Imperial Divan"—referring to the traditional government councils of the Near East—composed of 12 "Imperial Officers" who serve as a board of directors.

Previously known as "Shriners North America", the fraternity adopted its current name in 2010 in recognition of its increasingly global membership; as of 2024, there are Shrine Centers in (1888), Mexico (1907) and Panama (1918), Puerto Rico, the Philippines (2010), Germany (2011), Brazil (2015) and Bolivia (2018).^[4]

Notable American Shriners include actors Mel Blanc, John Wayne, Ernest Borgnine, and Roy Rogers, Supreme Court chief justice Earl Warren, General Douglas MacArthur, and presidents Gerald Ford and Harry Truman.^[5]