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| About Us |
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The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York was
founded in 1785 to provide cultural, educational and social services to
families of skilled craftsmen.
In 1820, The General Society opened one of the city's first free schools as
well as the Apprentices' Library. The school, which became the Mechanics
Institute in 1858, continues to provide tuition-free evening instruction in
trades-related education. Also founded in 1820, the General Society Library
is the second oldest in New York City. The Library has
more than 120,000 volumes of current fiction, non-fiction and research
materials and is host to the Small Press Center.
Twenty West Forty-fourth Street is the fifth home of the General Society and
a New York City landmark. The main reading room soars to a height of three
stories and is topped by a magnificent skylight. The building was purchased
in 1899 and expanded in 1903 through gifts from member Andrew Carnegie.
The General Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and remains dedicated
to improving quality of life through educational opportunities. 220-year old mission
of improving the quality of life through education; sharing and furthering the history
of skilled craft; and promoting independent publishing. Support is provided entirely
by endowments and gifts from members and friends like you.
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