In 1917, a young immigrant priest from Ireland had grown discouraged in his work with homeless, destitute men in Omaha. So in December of that year, Father Edward J. Flanagan borrowed $90 from a friend, Omaha attorney and businessman Henry Monsky, and rented a drafty Victorian-style boardinghouse at 25th and Dodge Streets to open his first Home for Boys.
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1917-2017: The Boys Town Timeline
Memorable events that shaped Boys Town’s 100-year history and paved the way for a second century of service to America’s children, families and communities.
Dec. 12, 1917
Father Edward Flanagan borrows $90 to rent a Victorian-style boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, and officially opens Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys.
1921
Father Flanagan moves the Home and the boys in his care to Overlook Farm, 10 miles west of Omaha. Five years later, the boys vote to change the community’s name to “Boys Town.”
1936
As its youth population continues to grow, Boys Town becomes an incorporated village of the State of Nebraska with its own U.S. Post Office.
1939
Spencer Tracy wins the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Father Flanagan in the award-winning film, “Boys Town,” and later gives the Oscar to the priest.
1948
During a child welfare mission to Europe, Father Flanagan passes away in Berlin, Germany, at age 61. Monsignor Nicholas Wegner is named the Home’s new Executive Director.
1973
Monsignor Robert Hupp is named Boys Town’s third Executive Director.
1974
Boys Town adopts the Family Home Program, replacing dormitory life with care and treatment in individual, family-style residences.
1977
The Boys Town Institute for Communication Disorders in Children (later renamed Boys Town National Research Hospital) opens near downtown Omaha.
1979
The first girls are admitted to Boys Town’s Family Home Program.
1985
Father Valentine “Val” Peter is named Boys Town’s fourth Executive Director.
1993
After eight years of national expansion, Boys Town opens the last of its affiliate sites in Washington, D.C.
2005
Father Steven Boes is named Boys Town’s fifth executive director.
2011
The Archdiocese of Omaha opens the cause for canonization of Father Flanagan, noting he has been declared a “Servant of God.”
2012
Boys Town launches its Center for Neurobehavioral Research to study and improve treatment methods for children with behavioral and mental health problems.
2015
Boys Town youth, health, family and community services touch the lives of 2 million people nationwide every year.
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December 12, 2017
Boys Town celebrates its 100th anniversary.
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