Over the years, our YMCAs responded to the changing needs of our communities, serving men, women, boys and girls of all faiths, races, ages, abilities, and incomes.
Our beginnings
- 1844—George Williams organizes the first YMCA in London to meet the practical and spiritual needs of young men relocating to London during the Industrial Revolution.
- 1851—First U.S. YMCA opens in Boston
- 1856—St. Paul YMCA founded
- 1866—Minneapolis YMCA founded
- 2012—Minneapolis and St. Paul YMCAs merge, forming the YMCA of the North
The Y was a driving force in several modern traditions
- Inspired the formation of the U.S.O. Peace Corps and Father’s Day
- Began the first night school and English as a Second Language courses
- Invented group swimming lessons, basketball, volleyball and racquetball
- Fostered America’s camping movement, starting in 1885