Our History:

Freemasons Background

Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. New York’s Grand was formed in 1782. Today, there are approximately 1.7 million Freemasons in North America, with about 54,000 Masons in New York State. The Masons are widely known for their community service and philanthropic works. Each day, Masons across the United States donate more than $2 million to charitable causes.

New York’s Masons not only began the New York Masonic Child ID Program (CHIP), they also own and operate the Masonic Care Community in Utica, home to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory.

FASNY Background

Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 130,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more than a century, FASNY has operated a Firemen’s Home in Hudson, NY to care for those who gave so much to their communities. FASNY undertakes an aggressive program of advocacy and legislative outreach on issues that impact the volunteer fire and EMS services. In addition to helping our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, FASNY helps our communities by running a statewide Fire Prevention and Life Safety program.

History of NY Masonic CHIP

The NY Masonic CHIP began in 1991. New York Freemasons organized to provide resources to help track and recover missing children. By 2005, 42,248 people were enrolled in the NY Masonic CHIP. Currently, the total participation exceeds 350,000. In 2007, The New York State Freemasons and the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) developed a team approach to implementing this program statewide.