Founded in 1854, the Mechanics’ Institute is one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast of the United States. Its mission is to provide a center for intellectual and cultural advancement. Located in the financial district of San Francisco, it serves individuals and families throughout the Bay Area offering a vibrant library with full-time professional staff, expert instruction and competition in chess, and a full calendar of engaging cultural events, programs, and classes. Anyone can join the Institute for a small annual fee. Many of its activities and services for members are also open to non-members.
The Mechanics' Institute Library's digital collection at California Revealed consists of text material from the 1850s to the 1950s. The collection includes an extensive run of the chess newsletter Chess in Action, as well as some institutional documentation such as Board of Trustees minutes.
