Opening Reception, Sponsor Exhibition, and Presentation - International Conference of Independent Libraries & Mechanics’ Institutes

Conference guests are invited to participate in a reception held by the Mechanics’ Institute on Friday, November 4 at 6:00 pm. The reception will take place in the reading room on the 2nd floor of the Library and will be an opportunity to network with other conference guests, meet conference sponsors, and members of the Mechanics’ Institute community over wine and hearty appetizers.

At 7:00 pm there will be a presentation by local map purveyor and expert Jim Schein (see description below).

1854 San Francisco, Building on Solid Ground by Jim Schein

Prior to the 1906 earthquake and fire the Mechanics’ Institute acquired a large map drawn from the 1853 Survey of San Francisco by noted draftsman Richard P. Bridgens. This excessively rare map is among the earliest printed maps of the city of San Francisco and is notable for its grand dimensions and wonderful vignettes of the city’s landmarks and architecture. The Institute’s map resides on the 2nd floor of the Library. Learn about the early city, its businesses, and other maps from the era in this lecture with local map purveyor and expert Jim Schein.