General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York, United States historic association
The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York is an organization founded in 1785 by craftsmen and tradespeople in Manhattan who support each other and share knowledge. Its building at West 44th Street, constructed in 1899, features large rooms with high ceilings, decorative columns, and an impressive frieze in the main reading room.
The Society was founded in 1785 by craftsmen such as shoemakers, blacksmiths, and carpenters to support each other during difficult times after the Revolution. In 1820, it opened one of the city's first free schools and an Apprentices' Library to educate working children in the evenings.
The Society celebrates manual craftsmanship as a source of pride and dignity for working people. Through its motto "By hammer and hand all arts do stand," members express their belief that trades and craftwork are fundamental to the city's development and prosperity.
The building is easy to reach by public transportation and offers a quiet space focused on learning, so allow time to explore its rooms and collections at a comfortable pace. Plan your visit during regular hours on quieter days to enjoy the space without feeling rushed.
The building houses the John M. Mossman Lock Collection with over 370 ancient locks and keys dating back to 2000 BC, showing how security mechanisms evolved over time. This rare collection tells a remarkable story of human ingenuity in designing locks across the centuries.
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