The Mechanics’ Institute is my favorite place in San Francisco to spend a quiet afternoon. The chess club has reintroduced me to the game after 20 years away. The vast library always has exactly what I’m looking for, whether it’s a travel guide, a novel, or a unique rare edition” – Mason Duke, Trustee
 

Giving to Mechanics’ Institute is not just supporting an organization, it’s preserving one of San Francisco’s most beloved cultural gems. Your donation is a declaration: that art, literature, dialogue, and community are essential. We need places that ground us, connect us, and point us toward a better future. 

Consider a Planned Gift

In 1876, James Lick bequeathed $10,000 to the Mechanics' Institute, helping establish a tradition of philanthropy that continues today. The James Lick Legacy Society honors the generous individuals who include the Institute in their estate plans, ensuring we remain a vibrant hub for years to come. You can make a bequest through your will, trust, retirement account, or a Life Insurance designation. Every gift helps preserve the Institute for future generations. For more information, please email Tina Ahn, Senior Director of Advancement, at  tahn@milibrary.org or call 415-393-0115.

 

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