The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen

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 227-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 century-old Lecture Series. 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 and provides a unique service to improve job opportunities for New Yorkers in the building and construction industry. It also provides a trained workforce for the building and construction industry. Without a tuition-free education, many of our students would be unable to get the technical education needed to advance in today's environment. The Institute is the oldest privately supported technical school in New York City. Each fall, over 350 students enroll in Mechanics' Institute's programs including Construction Documents and Design, Electrical Technology, HVAC Systems Design, Plumbing Design, Project Management, Facilities Management and Historic Preservation.