Girls and Boys Town History

The organization that is now called Boys Town was founded by Father Flanagan more than 90 years ago. With humble beginnings of an orphanage, being run in Father Flanagan's house, the organization now has presence in 13 locations across the United States. It is interesting to note that this immigrant priest from Ireland was actually discouraged in the methods that he used. The home that Father Flanagan created was open to all boys irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or sect.

The orphanage faced tough times with the World War I taking place during its initial stages. Food and money were in short supply everywhere and therefore there was very little that others could donate as well. Due to the war, the number of boys that arrived at the doorstep increased continuously. In a few months the number of boys at the house was more than a hundred.

In 1921, Father Flanagan shifted the orphanage to Overlook Farm outside Omaha. The money for the same was also borrowed from someone. This was then the first permanent site for Boys Town. This area was soon to be called the 'Village of Boys Town'. By the 1930's there were hundreds of boys that considered this area as their home and a school, dormitories and administrative blocks has also been constructed. The boys also had their own government - a mayor, a council and commissioners. In 1936, this village was recognized and made an official village in the state of Nebraska.

Father Flanagan was called by President Truman after the World War II. The president asked him to take the message of love for children to the world and he travelled to various countries and to many orphanages taking the specific teachings with him.

After Father Flanagan's demise, Monsignor Nicholas H. Wegner managed Boys Town as the Executive Director. The great work that Father Flanagan started continued since he believed that "it was God's work and not his".

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