Established in 1975 by the Scottish Rite Freemasons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library tells the story of Freemasonry and fraternalism in the context of American history. Unique in the nation, the Museum aims to be the “historical society” of American Freemasonry by collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating the history of fraternalism. The Museum pays special attention to the history of the Scottish Rite and strives to serve the Masonic community.

The Museum’s collection related to American Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history numbers more than 17,000 objects. The Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives research collection comprise 60,000 books, 1,600 serial titles and 2,000 cubic feet of archival materials. The Museum also manages an additional 10,000 objects and documents from the collection of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts under a long-term loan agreement.

The Museum & Library present changing exhibitions that explore topics related to Freemasonry, fraternalism, the Scottish Rite, and the history of our nation and offer lectures, gallery talks, workshops, symposia and other educational programs that foster a deeper appreciation of exhibitions and American and fraternal history.