On April 1, 2025, an article was recently published on Meet, Act and Part titled “Are Masonic Libraries and Archives a Joke?” which raised concerns about the accessibility and responsiveness of Masonic libraries and archives. As an organization devoted to Masonic libraries and museums, we wanted to provide context on the mission, challenges, and commitments of Masonic libraries and museums, and highlight the ways we usually operate and serve our constituents and the wider public.
The writer, Patrick Dey, makes observations that reflect real issues some under resourced collections face: limited or no service for patrons, inability to scan or share materials, and communication delays. These are real concerns and they deserve thoughtful, honest discussion. However, the post does not address what is likely the root cause of many of these problems: the lack of sustained, long-term financial commitment necessary to keep a library or museum adequately funded. Without such support, many institutions struggle to modernize, digitize, and serve their constituents effectively, let alone researchers.
Masonic libraries and museums primarily exist to preserve the rich history of Freemasonry, usually within their own jurisdictions. Some institutions also support researchers as a secondary or tertiary function, while others may not be open to external researchers at all. These institutions vary widely in structure, staffing, and purpose. Some are well-funded, professionally staffed, and publicly accessible; others rely on volunteers, private donations, and modest funding, often provided solely by Grand Lodges. Most do not receive public or governmental support. That means not every library is going to operate the same way, and that’s okay, as long as we understand why. Expecting every Masonic library to function like a major university archive misses the point that these institutions have different missions, structures, and constraints.
Many Masonic libraries and museums are private institutions affiliated with Grand Lodges or appendant Masonic bodies. Their first responsibility is often to their membership, which can result in restricted access to external researchers. Unlike public or academic libraries with broader access mandates, Masonic institutions may prioritize internal needs foremost. Additionally, many operate with minimal staffing, sometimes a single person or entirely volunteer-run, making it difficult to respond quickly to all inquiries. It is not uncommon for smaller Grand Lodges to have the Grand Secretary running not only the normal duties of his office but also wearing the hat of Librarian and Curator. Limited hours or appointment-only access is often a practical response to these constraints. We know that can be frustrating and we don’t take that lightly. But limited hours and access policies aren’t about gatekeeping; they’re about doing the best we can with the resources we have. Now, with the recent defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, more than ever, will these issues become more apparent in the public sector.
Not every Masonic library will hold the exact materials a researcher needs, but many institutions collaborate informally to help scholars locate what they seek. Researchers today also have access to a wealth of digitized Masonic materials through platforms like Google Books, HathiTrust, and the Cagliostro Masonic Library. Numerous Grand Lodges and Masonic organizations have invested in digitization efforts, an important but costly and time-intensive endeavor.
Some misunderstandings arise from a lack of awareness about the available Masonic resources and how best to use them. MLMA and its member institutions are working to improve discoverability through updated websites, online catalogs, and increased digital access. Institutions such as the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, House of the Temple, and George Washington Masonic National Memorial to name a few, have been actively promoting their collections and services. Still, it is important for researchers to prepare clear, specific, and respectful inquiries. Defining a topic and asking targeted questions improves the likelihood of receiving useful responses.
Independent researchers play a crucial role in advancing Masonic scholarship, often publishing original findings and building digital platforms to share content more broadly. These grassroots efforts complement institutional collections and sometimes serve as important stopgaps for hard-to-access information. Yet digitization, preservation, and access remain long-term projects that require funding, staff, and infrastructure. Libraries must balance these needs with their limited capacity.
Archival work is complex and often invisible to those outside the profession. Many collections remain uncataloged, inaccessible, or stored under conditions that hinder easy discovery, and the same can be said within museums. Legacy cataloging systems, physical storage limitations, and insufficient funding all contribute to delays in services and programs. But progress is being made. Institutions are working to upgrade catalogs, modernize storage, and offer better discovery tools. These improvements take time, but they reflect our long-term commitment to stewardship and service.
The best way to improve our Masonic libraries and museums is to be actively engaged in their future. Members of the Craft who care about history, research, and preservation should make an effort to educate and involve their Grand Lodge officers, or trustees, in these conversations. The same can be said for those who are generally interested or have a stake in Masonic history. Let your voice be heard. Informing them about the importance of proper funding, for the sake of preserving Masonic heritage and for supporting research using best practices, can lead to meaningful change. With the right support, our libraries and museums can serve not only as repositories of Masonic history but as vibrant centers of learning and discovery.