The Master Mechanic Award is given to individuals or organizations who epitomize the quality of excellence—a quality that is the foundation of the Worcester County Mechanics Association, as well as a thriving community.  Established in 1842, the Mechanics Association was originally an educational and charitable organization that fostered skills in the mechanical arts, meeting a vital need in the new industrial age. However, the Mechanics were also committed to engaging the entire community with cultural and social ideals. Offering a forum for education and self-improvement, the Mechanics provided access to great music and books, political ideas and social reform issues, and scientific thought and technological achievements.

A growing Mechanics Association built Mechanics Hall to have a single location for its activities and to showcase Worcester industries and skilled labor. When it was dedicated on March 19, 1857, the Hall represented the state-of-the-art in mechanical systems and construction techniques—a testimony to the skill and ingenuity of the artisans and tradesmen of Worcester County. This achievement also defined them as leaders in America's Industrial Revolution.

Home of some of the nation’s finest colleges, universities, research facilities, and cultural institutions, Worcester is today a leader in critically important scientific, medical, and educational advances.  We are proud to celebrate this excellence in enterprise, innovation, and leadership with the Master Mechanic Award.  This award honors today’s Mechanics by recognizing their contributions to creating a culture of excellence in Central Massachusetts.

Nominees for the Master Mechanic Award are evaluated on one or more of the following criteria:

• Their role in achieving technological advances
• Their role in expanding the cultural landscape of the region
• Their role in fostering debate and intellectual progress
• Their role in promoting innovative philanthropy
• Their role in assuring continuing growth and vitality of the region

MASTER MECHANIC AWARD RECIPIENTS
2022

Senator Harriette Chandler

Will Sherwood

2019

Modern Mechanics Guild

Collegiate Apprentices

2018

Robert M. “Bob” Kennedy

2017

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

2016

Worcester Area Mission Society

2015

The Crowley Family

2014

Worcester Technical High School

2013

MCPHS University

2012

The Coghlin Family

2011

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

2010

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Preservation Worcester

2009

The Francis A. and Jacquelyn H. Harrington Foundation

2008

The Fletcher Foundation

Elaine Ciborowski

2007

George I. Alden Trust

Christopher Bramley

2006

The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

Christian S. Baehrecke

Norma J. Sandison

2005

The Stoddard Charitable Trust

Erwin H. "Dusty" Miller

2004

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Cushing C. Bozenhard

2003

Bank of America

Joseph Chilorio

2002

Music Worcester, Inc.

Bob Blair