Hamilton Historical Society

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

former Mechanics' Institute (now Hamilton Historical Society)
47 Gray St


The Hamilton Mechanics' Institute, founded in 1859, was granted a block of land in Gray St in that same year ([i]) but did not start to construct the present building until 1865. A lecture hall was designed by the architect J S Jenkins in 1869, ([ii]) In 1872 the building was extended to include a Free Library from the designs of the architect William Smith ([iii]) and in 1879 another large room was added. This was the Learmonth Memorial hall, which was built with funds collected in 1874 for a memorial to Alexander Learmonth, an influential Hamilton businessman and original Institute trustee. ([iv]) Further additions, designed by Frank Hammond, architect, town clerk and engineer, ([v]) were made to the building in 1903. The Mechanics'Institute has played an important role in the history education in Hamilton, which is known throughout the region for its many fine educational establishments. The Mechanics Institute in any town formed the social focus for middle classes. The building uses a formal, dignified style of architecture to create a sense of respectability, reinforced by each of the responsible architects. A key building in the streetscape. It is significantly intact and is in excellent condition.