I am karen taylor, Program Director of the general society. The labor, literature and landmark collections are supported in part by public funds from the new City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the city council. For those of you who may be less familiar with the general society and how many of you here this evening with this be your first visit . Okay. A warm welcome and of course, welcome back to previous attendees. The general society was founded in 1785 by 22 artisans. Today our 234yearold organization continues to serve the peopleof the city of new york. We do this through our cultural and education programs. They include our lecture series which tonights lecture is part of, our general Society Library which will will be celebrating 200 years. Our tuition free Mechanics Institute and the john and mossman lot collection which you are welcome to visit after our talk this evening and that is upstairs. You will find more information on the blue and white postcard on