History, Archaeology and Freemasonry This Weekend

After the popularity of author Dan Brown's books, such as "Angels and Demons," "The DaVinci Code," and "The Lost Symbol," the Freemasons have become an alluring, yet, for some, a mysterious organization. This Saturday, the Madison Freemasons invite the public to an open house located at Madison Lodge No. 93 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All Masonic lodges in New Jersey will be hosting open houses Saturday. The Madison lodge will have refreshments, plenty of parking and handicapped access, so anyone who is curious about the Freemasons, how they work, what they do for the community, and who is involved is free to attend.

Besides the open house, this weekend is full of interesting events, from presentations by scholars to a Halloween costume sale.

Friday

• Teen Scene night will run from 7  to 10 p.m. at the Madison Area YMCA, and is open to only grades 6 to 8. Teens can play games, watch movies and more.
• Romanelli's Italian Eatery is hosting a Family Fun Night with magic and balloon sculptures from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Dewey's Comic City is hosting its weekly Type II Magic Tournament, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. There is a $6 entry fee, but there are prizes for winners, and as a Wizard of the Coast authorized tournament, results are regularly reported. Tournaments normally run until 9:30 p.m. 

Saturday

• The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is hosting its annual Halloween costume sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The costumes come from their prop and costume collection and all proceeds benefit the theater's educational programs.
• The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts will host family fun day from 1 to 3 p.m., with a Columbus Day theme, where families can make crafts together for the holiday.
• Democratic candidate for Madison Borough Council Robert McDowell will host his weeklyAtlanta Bread coffee shop talk from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. He invites residents to come share their thoughts and concerns about local government.
• The Madison Area YMCA is hosting a family movie night, complete with popcorn, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Sunday

• Alan Cooper, a historian and archaeologist, will discuss the Lenape Meadow Excavation, using both a slide show and actual artifacts. The presentation begins at 2 p.m., at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts.