California's First Philanthropist: The Legacy of James Lick | Mechanics' Institute

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California's First Philanthropist: The Legacy of James Lick

Meet at Pioneer Hall at The Presidio, 101 Montgomery St., Suite 150, San Francisco.

Come visit the Society of California Pioneers for a private tour of the exhibit, California's First Philanthropist, and short presentation about the extraordinary James Lick by John Hogan (Gallery Manager) and Taryn Edwards (MI Librarian).

This cost of admission goes to support the efforts of the Society of California Pioneers.

 

California’s first multimillionaire, James Lick used his considerable wealth to establish charitable “protection and relief” organizations to address the basic needs of the many who are less fortunate in a boom and bust economy. After his death, a trust carried out the directives Lick had outlined in his will; his entire fortune was to benefit the people of California in one way or another. In addition to endowing existing service organizations (including homes for the elderly, schools for orphans, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Lick allocated significant sums to ambitious projects benefitting future generations. He stipulated that $700,000 be used to build “a telescope superior to and more powerful than any telescope yet made” on Mount Hamilton; Lick Observatory remains one of the great scientific institutions of the world. Other beneficiaries included the California Academy of Sciences, Mechanic' Institute, landmarks in Golden Gate Park, as well as the California School for Mechanical Arts, the first to enroll young women interested in studying industrial design and manufacturing.

 

The Exhibition runs from February 1 – August 31, 2017; 10 am to 5 pm; Wednesday to Sunday. Free Admission (suggested donation of $5.00 to support three programs providing free access to our unique collection: the public exhibition hall, our research library, and museum education programs for local schools). 

The exhibition considers the legacy of James Lick, California’s first millionaire philanthropist and features images by Isaiah West Taber (who operated one of the first commercially viable photography studios in San Francisco). Taber documented many of the projects Lick funded, including the construction and operation of the Lick Observatory and the Academy of Sciences.

Activities

Admission: 
Members & Public $7
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Location: 
Offsite: See description for location
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Information Desk - 415-393-0102
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Future Activities

Apr 5 - 5:00 pm

Monthly Chess Social
Join the Chess Room for Chess Socials on the first Friday of each month

Apr 12 - 5:00 pm

Mechanics' Institute Evening Tour
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Apr 20 - 10:00 am

Family Story Hour in the Library
Gather round to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the 2nd Floor Library