Shriners International

Formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS), the Shrine was established in 1870 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

The group adopted a Middle Eastern theme and soon established Temples (though the term Temple has now generally been replaced by Shrine Auditorium or Shrine Center). The first Temple established was Mecca Temple (now known as Mecca Shriners), established at the New York City Masonic Hall on September 26, 1872.

Each member of the Shrine is style a Noble and the distinct red fez worn by those nobles is perhaps the most well known relic of Orientalism an ascetic trend from the early 1900s reflecting a western interpretation of Egyptian and Middle Eastern dress and architecture.

The Shriners are best known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America established in 1920. Children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay. Care for children is usually provided until age 18, although in some cases, it may be extended to age 21.

Until 2000, before being eligible for membership in the Shrine, a Mason had to complete either the Scottish Rite or York Rite.