The General Society

This is a secret (society) that I have been hesitant to share. OK, it is not a secret society, but rather a well kept secret. It is where I often go alone to hear (mostly) free lectures by various tradespeople. The General Society has been operating for 231 years and owns the second oldest library in New York City. In addition to providing free evening education, they also host a lecture series that began in the early 19th Century. These lectures span a variety of topics, but I particularly like the artisan series which highlights true experts in their field of endeavor. My first lecture was Dahlander in Brooklyn where Gregory Dietrich (former consultant of mine) explored the Brooklyn residential work of Swedish architect Magnus E. Dahlander (1862-1951). These are precisely the type of lectures that I love; true experts discuss nuanced issues. Later this month, they are featuring violin maker Lukas Wronski. They will show a brief documentary about him, there will be a lecture, followed by a question & answer period, as well as a performance by world renowned violinist Kinga Augustyn. All this is for $20. This is what Champagne wishes and caviar dreams are made of ....