Mechanics Hall

Worcester's Mechanics Association, formed in 1842 so that mill workers could learn to build and run machinery, put this building up in 1857 for its lectures and concerts. The hall on the third floor carried speakers' voices and music clearly without amplification, which did not yet exist, and an organ was added in 1864. Charles Dickens and Susan B. Anthony spoke there; Caruso, Ella Fitzgerald and Yo-Yo Ma played there. Downtown decline nearly finished the building before the restoration of 1977; a recording studio now works inside it.