Structured Memory MCP Server

What is Structured Memory MCP Server about?

Structured Memory MCP Server delivers a living‑document approach to contextual memory. Instead of flat conversation snippets, it stores project‑specific information in organized markdown files that can be scanned, edited, and versioned over time.

How to use Structured Memory MCP Server?

Install – either npm install -g @nmeierpolys/mcp-structured-memory or run the source build.
Configure – add an entry to claude_desktop_config.json (or equivalent MCP client) pointing to the package via npx.
Create a memory – use the create_memory tool or ask the LLM: Create a new travel advisor memory document and tell me how to use it.
Interact – during conversations, the LLM reads the relevant memory, updates sections, adds list items, or performs searches with the provided tools.
Maintain – backups are timestamped automatically; files live under the OS‑specific data folder.

Key Features of Structured Memory MCP Server

Flexible markdown structure – any hierarchy of sections or lists tailored to the domain.
Toolset – create, list, summarize, retrieve sections, full documents, search, update sections, and manipulate list items.
Automatic backups – timestamped copies before major edits.
Cross‑platform storage – macOS, Windows, and Linux default locations.
CLI‑first design – callable via npx for easy integration with MCP clients.

Use Cases of Structured Memory MCP Server

Travel planning – track destinations, itineraries, accommodations, budgets, and personal preferences.
Research projects – organize questions, literature reviews, methodology, findings, and next steps.
Real‑estate search – maintain criteria, active listings, visited properties, and agent contacts.
Investment theses – record market insights, portfolio allocations, and performance notes.
Career development – log goals, skill gaps, mentorship notes, and achievement milestones.

FAQ for Structured Memory MCP Server

Where are the files stored?
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/mcp-structured-memory/
• Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\mcp-structured-memory\
• Linux: ~/.local/share/mcp-structured-memory/
Do I need an internet connection?
Only when the LLM client that uses the server requires remote inference; the server itself runs locally.
Can I version‑control the memories?
Yes – the markdown files are regular files; you can add the storage folder to Git or any VCS.
What if the LLM fails to show installation instructions?
Prompt it again: “Please show me the installation instructions for the structured memory server.”
How are backups named?
They receive a timestamp suffix (e.g., travel.md.2024‑10‑13‑15‑30‑00.bak).

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides structured, domain-specific memory management through markdown files. This is particularly useful for ongoing projects around a particular area of focus where you want to accumulate valuable context over time. Examples include focused domains like travel planning, research projects, real estate search, investment theses, product planning, and career development.

Why Structured Memory?

Traditional MCP memory servers use semantic search across scattered conversation snippets. This works well for general recall but fails for focused projects that need organized, categorical information.

Structured Memory instead maintains living documents with structured content that you can scan, update, and track over time - just like you would with a personal notebook, but with AI assistance.

Memory documents are stored as markdown files, primarily updated automatically by the LLM as it learns from your conversations to build rich context over time.

Typical usage

Ask your LLM client to create a memory document for your focused project Create a new travel advisor memory document and tell me how to use it. This should start empty and grow over time.
Create a new Project for conversations in that area. Add the provided usage instructions to your project context

Note: LLMs will, against all tool advice, occasionally fail to show you the installation instructions. If that happens, follow up with a request to the LLM to show you the installation instructions and it should comply.
New chat conversations start by checking the available info from the project's memory. Your LLM will update this memory over time to build up valuable context.
Optionally prompt your LLM to add/adjust the memory file on demand. It's also helpful to ask the LLM to prompt you for relevant info (e.g. "Ask me some questions to learn about my travel preferences")

Installation

Option 1: Install from npm (when published)

npm install -g @nmeierpolys/mcp-structured-memory

Option 2: Install from source

git clone https://github.com/nmeierpolys/mcp-structured-memory.git
cd mcp-structured-memory
npm install
npm run build

Configuration

For Claude Desktop

Edit the claude_desktop_config.json file with the following entry:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-structured-memory": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@nmeierpolys/mcp-structured-memory"]
    }
  }
}

Available Tools

create_memory - Create a new memory document with optional initial content
list_memories - List all available memory documents
get_memory_summary - Get a high-level summary of a memory document
get_section - Retrieve a specific section from a memory document
get_full_memory - Retrieve the complete content of a memory document
search_within_memory - Search for information within a memory document
update_section - Update an entire section of a memory document
add_to_list - Add an item to a list section
update_list_item - Update an existing item in a list
move_list_item - Move an item between list sections

Flexible Structure

Memory documents support any structure you need. The AI will help you organize sections based on your use case. Common examples:

Travel Planning: destinations, itinerary, accommodations, activities, restaurants, travel tips, budget tracker
Research Project: research questions, literature review, methodology, findings, data sources, next steps
Real Estate Search: search criteria, active listings, visited properties, rejected properties, market insights, agent contacts

Example: Automatic Memory Building

User: "Create a new Minnesota trip memory document and tell me how to use it. This should start empty and grow over time."

Claude: "I've created a travel memory document for your Minnesota trip. As we discuss your plans, I'll automatically update it with destinations, timing, preferences, and other details I learn about your trip."

User: "I want to see fall colors, go hiking, try local cuisine, and visit both the North Shore and the Twin Cities."

Claude: "I've noted your priorities in the memory: fall foliage viewing, hiking opportunities, local restaurants, North Shore destinations, and Twin Cities attractions. I'll keep track of specific recommendations as we explore options."

[Later conversation]
User: "What hiking trails have good fall colors?"

Claude: "Based on our previous discussions, I see you're focused on fall colors in Minnesota. Let me suggest some trails and I'll add the best ones to your travel memory..."

Backup and Version Control

The server automatically creates timestamped backups before major updates.

Storage Locations

Memory document files are stored as markdown files in:

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/mcp-structured-memory/
Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\mcp-structured-memory\
Linux: ~/.local/share/mcp-structured-memory/

Structured Memory MCP Server