Thomas Valentine Sullivan founded the first YMCA in the U.S., on December 29, 1851, in Boston, MA.

History of the YMCA

For over 150 years, the YMCA has been a pioneering force in the United States - a force so powerful that, as we begin the 21st century, it is arguably the most successful social institution our nation has ever know.

The original Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) began modestly enough in London, England in 1844, as a small group of men worked to serve other young men new to the vast urban area. Twenty-two-year-old George Williams and 11 friends prayed and studied the bible together. Some years later, Boston sea captain and missionary Thomas Valentine Sullivan founded the first YMCA in the U.S., on December 29, 1851, in Boston, MA.

Today, one out of three Americans reports being a YMCA member at some point in life, and what's even more remarkable is that the Y has touched virtually all Americans in some way. Basketball and volleyball were invented at the Y, and camping, public libraries, night schools and teaching English as a second language were all pioneered at the Y

The Y introduced the world's first indoor swimming pool and swim lessons and even offered after-school childcare long before "latchkey kids" had been identified and given a name. YMCAs have provided war relief since the Civil War, aiding millions of soldiers at home and abroad.

During out history, the Y has provided the right environment for ideas and organizations that might never have begun without it. The Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire Girls, the Negro National Baseball League, the Gideons, Toastmasters, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and the celebration of Father's Day all got their start at the YMCA. The Y helped found the United Service Organizations (USO), and U.S. President John F. Kennedy's Peace Corp was modeled after a successful YMCA program.

So what is the Y' s secret? The Y has always remained flexible enough to embrace change, to try new ideas, and to lead as pioneers. Above all, the YMCA movement has been about and for people - people of all ages, races, religions, and incomes. Forever mission driven,the Y exists to nurture people in Spirit, Mind and Body.

For a more detailed history of the YMCA please visit the YMCA of the USA website.