The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is one of the premiere repositories in the United States for the study of Freemasonry and fraternalism. The Library & Archives has one of the world’s most comprehensive collections on the subject of American Freemasonry and fraternalism comprising over 65,000 books, nearly 1,000 serial titles, and over 2,140 linear feet of archival materials.
We collect materials by and about fraternal organizations – that is, voluntary membership groups that support charitable activity and which are organized around an initiation ritual and a representative form of governance. In addition to collections relating to predominantly white and exclusively male fraternal and Masonic organizations, the Library & Archives also has collections relating to women-only organizations, mixed gender organizations, auxiliary fraternal and Masonic women and youth organizations, and historically Black Masonic and fraternal organizations.
We welcome Masons, historians, educators, students, genealogists, and anyone interested in the history of American Freemasonry and fraternalism to explore our collections.
The Library and Archives are open during regular museum hours. The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is a non-circulating research library and archives. To learn more about using our collections, visit the Reference and Research page.
Statement on Harmful Content
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library (SRMML) collections contain content and descriptive language that may be difficult to view or harmful to certain communities and individuals. SRMML openly rejects oppressive views present in our collections while providing access in a way that preserves historical evidence of social conditions and attitudes.
The complete statement on harmful content is available on our website. If you encounter harmful content or have questions about our process, please contact us.
