August has come to an end, and we are pleased to present the most noteworthy acquisitions made by the Museum, Archive, and Library (MAL) during the month.

Museum: Among the Museum’s most remarkable acquisitions in August 2026 is the sword of Albert P. Bassett (1850 — June 21,1931) of Lowell, Maine. Bassett was one of the youngest soldiers from Maine to serve in the American Civil War, enlisting at the age of just 14. He served in the 12th Maine Infantry Regiment of the Union Army and was later a member of Lewiston Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar.

Archive: The Archive acquired a collection of 21 documents dating from 1909 concerning the issuance of personalized certificates by Masonic lodges, chapters, and commanderies. The collection provides valuable documentary evidence of administrative and ceremonial practices within American Freemasonry in the early 20th century.

Library: One of the Library’s most significant acquisitions is the second edition of Thomas Smith Webb’s The Freemason’s Monitor; or, Illustrations of Masonry. Published in New York in 1802, this early edition of Webb’s influential work is a bibliographic rarity and represents an important addition to the Library’s collection of early American Masonic literature.