Founded in 1888 by philanthropist Isaiah V. Williamson to teach underprivileged young men “some trade, free of expense” through a character-based curriculum, the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades became a model in vocational education as trade apprenticeships disappeared in the United States in the late 19th century. It is the only trade school in the nation providing full scholarships to all students, and its campus contains the largest existing collection of buildings designed by Frank Furness.
