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 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...
Spring Lectures 2026
Tuesday, March 10th, 6pm – A History of Queens: Rural County, Urban Borough with Laura Helm In celebration of the late Jeffrey A. Kroessler’s book Rural County, Urban Borough: A History of Queens, his...
A New Museum Arrives at the General Society
A New Museum Graces Our Fourth Floor General Society Member and Master Plumber, Larry Weingarten, of Salinas, CA is co-author, with his wife, Suzanne, of The Water Heater Workbook. He has serviced and greatly...
The Dr. Bert Spilker Key Collection at the Mossman Museum
“The Dr. Bert Spilker Key Collection” The Dr. Bert Spilker Key Collection, numbering over 450 keys, now has a permanent home at the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen at the John M. Mossman...
The Past, Present and Future of the General Society
Please click here for a short video history of The General Society.
General Society Library Founded in 1820
The General Society Library recently celebrated its 204th Anniversary. This historic institution marked over two centuries of providing vital access to educational resources, special collections and historic archives for the people of the City...
Building a New Bridge to Replace the Tappan Zee Bridge, June 27
Building a New NY State-of-the-Art Bridge to Replace the Tappan Zee Bridge. David R. Capobianco, P.E., Project Manager – Delivery. Tuesday, June 27th AT THE GENERAL SOCIETY LIBRARY. The lecture starts at 6:30 P.M. ...
The Life of an Artisan: Jean Wiart, Fine Ornamental Metalwork, 6/20
The Life of an Artisan: TRADITION, TRANSMISSION and TRADE. Jean Wiart, Les Metalliers Champenois, Master Artisan of Fine Ornamental Metalwork. Tuesday, June 20th AT THE GENERAL SOCIETY LIBRARY. The lecture starts at 6:30 P.M. ...
History and Development of Stained Glass in First Landmark Lecture of 2017
Tuesday, February 21st at 6:30pm @ The General Society Library