You know about Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, but you probably didn’t know he had ties to Martha’s Vineyard. Paul Revere was the proxy for Martha’s Vineyard Freemasons at the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in Boston.

You know that Mozart was one of the greatest composers of all time but you probably didn’t know he was a Freemason, and that his Masonic brethren provided him with financial support during his lean times so he could keep composing.

You probably know that Shriners Hospitals treat severe pediatric injuries and illnesses, free of charge, and also do groundbreaking medical research. You probably didn’t know Shriners Hospitals were founded and funded by the Masons.

You definitely know that despite the Vineyard’s reputation as a wealthy enclave, many Islanders struggle to afford the basics. You probably didn’t know that, in conjunction with various social services on the Island, the Martha’s Vineyard Freemasons anonymously provide essentials to those in need. For the past five years, the Martha’s Vineyard Masons have also hosted a free Christmas dinner, open to all.

You likely know things about Ben Franklin, Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Count Basie, Oscar Wilde and Richard Pryor. You probably didn’t know they were all Masons.

If you want to know more about Freemasonry, the Martha’s Vineyard Masons are holding the annual open house this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oriental Martha’s Vineyard Lodge, on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road (across from Jardin Mahoney). The event is open to the public and to prospective members. Light breakfast/lunch will be served.