Welcome to the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen
Founded in 1785 by the skilled craftsmen of the City, our organization continues to serve and improve the quality of life of the people of the City of New York.
Mechanics Institute Enrollment is Now Open
For more information on how to enroll at the Mechanics Institute, please visit this page of The General Society Website and see the overview below.
The Past, Present and Future of the General Society
Please click here for a short video history of The General Society.
General Society Library Celebrates 200 Years
November 25th, 2020 will be a very special occasion, as The General Society Library will celebrate its 200th Anniversary. This historic institution will mark two centuries of providing vital access to educational resources, special...
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: A Pictorial History of Working People in New York City – 7/30
Tuesday, July 20th at 6pm – Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: A Pictorial History of Working People in New York City with Rachel Bernstein For a reservation please click here Rachel Bernstein is the co-author of Ordinary...
Mechanics Institute Programs
Mechanics Institute Programs 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...
The Cast Stone of The Coignet Building – 7/27
Hidden in Plain Sight – The Cast Stone of The Coignet Building Mary Jablonski, President and Founder of Jablonski Building Conservation. This will be an Online Lecture on Tuesday, July 27th at 6 p.m....
SPRING 2021 “GSMT News”: General Society Newsletter
Dear Friend of The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen, It’s a pleasure to share this special issue of the GSMT News which includes a celebration of the life and work of Penny Speckter. Penny...
Future Lectures
Hidden in Plain Sight – The Cast Stone of The Coignet Building Mary Jablonski, President and Founder of Jablonski Building Conservation This will be an Online Lecture on Tuesday, July 27th at 6 p.m....
Craftsmanship Awards Gala November 14, 2019
For more photos from the evening please click here Click here to view more about the Craftsmanship Awards Gala The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen would like to thank our donors for their...