Museums/Memberships

Item Description

Student Membership in The General Society Library AND and Autographed Copy of The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen: A History by Polly Guerin

Established in 1820 as the Apprentices Library, by the 19th century the Library had become the largest free circulating library in New York City. The Library space is host to our nearly two-century old lecture series, which includes the Labor, Literature and Landmarks, and Artisan Lecture Series. The Library has more than 100,000 volumes of fiction, non-fiction, trade, and technical-related research materials. The collections represent the importance placed on a broad education and illustrate urban work history. As the second oldest continuously operating library in New York City, the wealth of older books makes the library an excellent research facility. Its archives date back to 1785. The Library has recently begun to automate its catalog, but continues to use the card catalogue and classification system created by the librarian in 1901. The main reading room soars to a height of three stories topped by a magnificent skylight.

Autographed Copy of The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen: A History by Polly Guerin The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York: A History, written by Polly Gurin, engagingly details the 230 year-old history of the organization, and explores how The General Societys significant past is interwoven with the development of New York City. Ms. Gurin will outline some of the memorable highlights of The General Societys history during her PowerPoint presentation. Since 1785, when it was founded by 22 Artisans under the memorable banner of By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand, prominent General Society members, such as Duncan Phyfe, Abram S. Hewitt, Peter Cooper and Andrew Carnegie have played a pivotal role in the Citys physical and cultural expansion. The book details how The General Society continues to be as relevant today as it was in 1785. Situated in a New York City Landmark building, The Society continues to improve the lives of New Yorkers, while fostering an innovative and inventive spirit through its educational and cultural programs. These include the tuition-free Mechanics Institute, The General Society Library, and its century old Lecture Series.