I want to share one more hidden gem in New York City!
The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen of The City of New York was founded in 1785 by the skilled craftsmen of the City.
The history of this 240-year-old organization is fascinating. In 1820 The General Society opened one of the New York City's first free schools and it continues to provide tuition-free instruction in the areas of Electrical Technology, HVAC Systems, Plumbing & Heating Systems and Construction Project Management.
Founded in 1820, The General Society Library is the second- oldest library in New York City.
The Larry Weingarten Antique Water Heater Collection is housed in the General Society building. Industry veteran and plumbing historian Larry Weingarten donated his lifetime collection of antique and vintage water heaters to the Society.
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| Rare & vintage water-heating units |
This collection serves as an educational resource for plumbing and HVAC students, as well as a historical archive for trade professionals.
The Society is also home to the John M. Mossman Lock Museum. The Museum represents one of the most complete collections of bank and vault locks in the world. There are more than 370 locks, keys and tools dating from 4000 BC to the modern 20th-century!
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| European Renaissance iron door or chest lock |
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| Antique keys |
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| Antique keys |
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| Circular Time Clock |
Wow! So much in one building! And that's not all!
The Horological Society of New York, founded in 1866, is America's First Watchmaking Guild.
In an effort to advance the art and science of horology, the Horological Society provides a library of resources and educational programs for amateurs.
Also housed in the General Society building, their library is open to the general public. The librarians there are AWESOME!
When we visited, we saw the engaging exhibit: Early American Pocket Watches.
This is the oldest pocket watch in the collection:
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| JOHN WRIGHT NEW YORK CITY, CA. 1715 |
One of the librarians brought out a special treat for us to see. This is a rare singing bird box automaton shaped like a turtle, a highly complex mechanical timepiece and musical box!
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| Turtle Automaton |
It was necessary to contact the General Society to schedule a visit.
We're in Prague, Czech Republic now. My next post will feature our Czech adventures!