Records of the Dumbarton Mechanics Institution

This collection contains records created by Dumbarton Mechanics Institution, including minutes, a member ticket list, concert tickets, revised constitution and laws from 1855, concert syllabus from 1909-1910, course of lectures and concerts, and financial statements from 1900-1908.

The world's first Mechanics' Institute was established in Edinburgh, Scotland in October 1821 as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, with the provision of technical education for working people and professionals. Its purpose was to "address societal needs by incorporating fundamental scientific thinking and research into engineering solutions". The school revolutionised access to education in science and technology for ordinary people. The second Institute in Scotland was incorporated in Glasgow in November 1823, built on the foundations of a group started at the turn of the previous century by George Birkbeck.

This collection is open to use. To view the collection, please contact the archivist to arrange a visit.

The full catalogue is available on our website. To view the catalogue, please click here: Records of the Dumbarton Mechanics Institution