Celebrating Over Two Centuries of Service to the People of the City of New York

The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of the City of New York was founded in 1785 by the skilled craftsmen of the City. Today, this 238-year old organization continues to serve and improve the quality of life of the people of the City of New York through its educational, philanthropic and cultural programs including its tuition-free Mechanics Institute, The General Society Library, and its nearly two century-old Lecture Series.

 

Mission Statement

The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York (GSMT) will provide for the education of those in the crafts and building trades, will disseminate literary and scientific knowledge through lectures and other means of intellectual improvement and will maintain a cultural and educational resource center for those in manual, technical, craft and creative occupations, and will provide operating space for similar non-profit organizations whose goals are to preserve and promote the arts, culture, and history. In addition, The Society will preserve and maintain its landmarked building, now on the National Register of Historic Places, which provides the avenue for its educational and cultural programs and activities.