Join reporter, editor and Western historian Greg Nokes for a rousing discussion about the life and times of Peter Burnett, California state’s first governor.
Are you a crafty member of the Mechanics’ Institute? Knit happens, but we’d love to see your crochet too! Bring a project and get to know your fellow Mechanics’ Institute members and staff.
Learn the ancient art of rhetoric and verbally explore the issues that are shaping our world with SFDebate, a privately organized, bi-monthly event open to the Mechanics' Institute community.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Learn how to access investment research, analysis and buy/hold/sell recommendations for publicly traded companies.
70 years before the Golden Gate International Exposition and its theme of Pacific Unity, San Francisco’s Mechanics' Institute began reaching out to the Pacific Rim with its Industrial Expositions that displayed and promoted the products of local entrepreneurs and inventors.
A bored femme fatale leads her sharpshooting partner into a life of crime in this primeval, formative noir.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Poet Zack Rogow and novelist Jasmin Darznik read and discuss their works exploring both spiritual, intellectual and physical freedom and the role of the poet.
Dario Fo champions Lucrezia's skill in administering a thriving city. Was she the femme fatale that rumors have suggested? Or was she the world's first modern woman?
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Join us for a full day of lectures explaining, honoring and enjoying the Golden Gate International Exposition!
Join the Mechanics’ Institute and Treasure Island Museum for a snazzy cocktail party with music provided by Lovin’ Harmony Trio. Enjoy appetizers, wine, and craft liquor tastings while celebrating the 80th anniversary of San Francisco's last world's fair.
From the outside, book publishing can seem mysterious, but from the inside it is really quite simple. Publishing veteran Brenda Knight will teach you how to sell yourself and your book idea, who you are really selling, the importance of "comp titles," how to craft the perfect proposal, and trend tracking.
In the midst of the Great Depression, a populist banker must deal with a robbery, a run on deposits and his wife.
5 Round Swiss — One Day G/40,d5
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
The Works Progress Administration employed 300 people to construct an enormous wooden relief model of San Francisco which offers a 3-D freeze-frame of what the city looked like just before Pearl Harbor.
Ed Hunter does not want to end up like his father, a drunk Linotype operator, but when his father is murdered, the eighteen-year-old teams up with his carny uncle to dredge through Chicago's underworld to detect the killer.
If you're looking for one-on-one help with a device, software, email, or a similar tech- or internet-related issue, librarians are happy to help! Reserve a 30-minute appointment to work with a librarian regarding devices and ebook readers, how to make the best use of the Library's online features, how to safely manage social media accounts, and more.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Poets and readers including Dan Bellm, Susan Griffin, Ken Haas, Dawn McGuire, Dean Rader, Murray Silverstein and Susan Terris read from this provocative collection that inspires our highest values and aspirations.
This powerful biopic spotlights the French writer’s outspoken opposition to l’affaire Dreyfus.
4 round swiss, USCF rated.
This 2-hour slide talk and discussion will go deep into your concept with a kicker, protagonist with a goal, conflict with high stakes, and theme with a heart.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
In this afternoon session, we'll dig deep into your four pillars, helping you brainstorm your ideas in small group critique sessions along with instructor feedback.
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Dario Fo champions Lucrezia's skill in administering a thriving city. Was she the femme fatale that rumors have suggested? Or was she the world's first modern woman?
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Daniel Gumbiner’s novel, long-listed for the 2018 National Book Award, deals with a young man coping with addiction and finding a new path.
Join historical fiction author and speaker, Ona Russell, in exploring this timely and entertaining subject.
A crooked politician experiences an uncharacteristic flash of integrity in this caustic comedy of corruption.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
The Unruly Mystic: John Muir explores the remarkable life and influential works of a patron saint of environmental activism. The film discusses the connection nature and spirituality, using the life and wisdom of John Muir, ecological preservationist and founder of Yosemite National Park, as a catalyst for how being outside in nature affects the lives of everyday people right now.
The Unruly Mystic: John Muir explores the remarkable life and influential works of a patron saint of environmental activism. The film discusses the connection nature and spirituality, using the life and wisdom of John Muir, ecological preservationist and founder of Yosemite National Park, as a catalyst for how being outside in nature affects the lives of everyday people right now.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
SF City Hall experts Alex Banh, Digital Equity Manager and Brian Roberts, Policy Advisor discuss digital equity, infrastructure and inclusion.
LD Kirshenbaum wants you to spend one lunch hour a month to maintaining your muse along with your career in copywriting or corporate communications. This lightning workshop packs in a useful discussion as well as writing time. Bring your lunch and preferred writing utensils.
Hijinks ensue when a meek clerk is mistaken for a vicious gangster.
What sentences do you craft to capture anxiety? Thought? A reminiscent narrator? What kind of sentence creates a feeling of euphoria? Of exhaustion? By the end of this class, you will have mastered the art of writing sentences that do more than move the story along.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
It has been three years since her divorce and Rene Néré is a struggling Parisian music-hall performer. When a new suitor enters her life, the thirty-three-year-old must reconcile love, loneliness, aging, and her independence.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
5 Round Swiss — One Day G/40,d5
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Come and pay tribute to old friends!
6 Double Round Swiss
If you're looking for one-on-one help with a device, software, email, or a similar tech- or internet-related issue, librarians are happy to help! Reserve a 30-minute appointment to work with a librarian regarding devices and ebook readers, how to make the best use of the Library's online features, how to safely manage social media accounts, and more.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Join historian Peter Field for a brief history of the Tenderloin district's beginnings.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Ravens circle the strangled body of a teen on a cold Shetland morning. A simpleton is believed by locals to be the killer, but when detective Jimmy Perez from the mainland insists on a thorough investigation, everyone is under suspicion.
Lincoln's son, Willie, is sick upstairs in the White House. Despite an optimistic prognosis, tragedy strikes. Lincoln begins a series of visits to the crypt to hold the body of his eleven-year-old son.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
3-Day: G/90 +30, 2-Day: G/61 Rounds 1,2, G/90 +30 rounds 3-5. Participants must be 50 years or older when the program starts.
Join the MI writing community for a stimulating panel with three authors who will share the pros and cons of blogging. Please welcome novelist Ana Manwaring, Wordpress expert Linda Lee, and non-fiction writer John Lumea of the Emperors' Bridge Campaign.
Join Penny Warner for an exciting class on children's writing!
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
If you're working on a book project and you're curious about independent publishing, or publishing in general, you're welcome to attend.
The Sisters in Crime NorCal chapter is proud to announce its first anthology in its 25-year history. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how the book was created.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
LD Kirshenbaum wants you to spend one lunch hour a month to maintaining your muse along with your career in copywriting or corporate communications. This lightning workshop packs in a useful discussion as well as writing time. Bring your lunch and preferred writing utensils.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Join the Women's National Book Association (SF Chapter) and learn how to manage your energy for maximum productivity with tools and tricks from author/yoga teachers and holistic lifestyle experts.
6 Round Swiss
Will you be looking for a new job in the new year? Join a group of career changers in an immersive resume makeover clinic with fellow job seekers. We will focus on creative techniques that can power you ahead as you transition to a new job function or industry. In your future job search you will be competing with applicants who have been there, done that, and have won awards doing it. Your successful career transition will require you to do more, and do things differently.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Lincoln's son, Willie, is sick upstairs in the White House. Despite an optimistic prognosis, tragedy strikes. Lincoln begins a series of visits to the crypt to hold the body of his eleven-year-old son.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
A young sex worker's body lay in the bayou. Detective Dave Robicheaux has a sharp-eye on Big Easy criminals, but his battles with alcohol and post-traumatic stress challenge his good nature in solving this whodunit.
If you're looking for one-on-one help with a device, software, email, or a similar tech- or internet-related issue, librarians are happy to help! Reserve a 30-minute appointment to work with a librarian regarding devices and ebook readers, how to make the best use of the Library's online features, how to safely manage social media accounts, and more.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
The Waiting Years is Fumiko Enchi's story of an ill-fated upper-class family during Japan's Meiji period.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Ready to elevate your writing career to the next level, but not sure how to present your background in an appropriately professional fashion?
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
LD Kirshenbaum wants you to spend one lunch hour a month to maintaining your muse along with your career in copywriting or corporate communications. This lightning workshop packs in a useful discussion as well as writing time. Bring your lunch and preferred writing utensils.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Masters of escape are the rock stars of criminals; the smartest, most creative and daring convicts...
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
LD Kirshenbaum wants you to spend one lunch hour a month to maintaining your muse along with your career in copywriting or corporate communications. This lightning workshop packs in a useful discussion as well as writing time. Bring your lunch and preferred writing utensils.
5 Round Swiss — One Day G/40,d5
This workshop is open to writers who are considering applications for--or wish to learn about--writing grants, fellowships, scholarships, or residencies.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
5 Round Swiss — One Day G/40,d5
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
6 Round Swiss
Learn the basics and how to improve what you already have -- featuring WordPress.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Learn the basics of using a WordPress-built website.
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
If you're working on a book project and you're curious about independent publishing, or publishing in general, you're welcome to attend.
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
LD Kirshenbaum wants you to spend one lunch hour a month to maintaining your muse along with your career in copywriting or corporate communications. This lightning workshop packs in a useful discussion as well as writing time. Bring your lunch and preferred writing utensils.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
5 Round Swiss — One Day G/40,d5
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
Using the guidelines described in Writing Without Teachers, join this member-led "come as you are" writing group.
Interested in learning the basics of chess? Planning to play in your first tournament? Looking for new opponents, or just want to get back into the game your dad taught you long ago? Then come on down to the Mechanics' Institute, the oldest chess club in the country and sharpen your skills!
Do you play chess? Do you wish you played chess? Have you played a few times but have been intimidated about playing more? If any of these things apply to you, come to the Mechanics Institute in San Francisco for our free women-only chess classes!
