Robert E. Burtt

Robert E. Burtt was born in Du Bois, PA in 1954. An alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh, he earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Political Science, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired Federal civil servant. Mr. Burtt has had a varied working life. He's been a factory worker, sailor, politician, bank employee, an athlete, a college instructor, and has even been a barista in a coffee shop. Mr. Burtt has a deep interest in history, philosophy, music, art, sports, and travel. His books include "A Pennsylvania Masonic Handbook," an exploration of Freemasonry in his native state, "Rome: A Commonplace Book," which explores the sights, sounds, and history of the Eternal City, "Wait Until Sunset," a biography that also covers the South Pacific campaigns of World War II, and "A Guide to Modern Freemasonry," a short study of the Fraternity for the interested layperson. His novel "Heart of the Mystery," explores issues of maturity, loneliness, and the search for community. A collection of his articles can be found in "Masonic Writings: With Trowel and Pen," published in 2025. He has also presented a paper to the Pennsylvania Lodge of Research. His latest article can be found in "Philalethes: The Journal of Masonic Research & Letters." It is entitled "Psychological Aspects of Masonic Ritual." Mr. Burtt lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife Grace, two daughters, as well as numerous grandchildren.