History and Timeline

First YMCA was founded in London England. Volunteer founded and volunteer led, the YMCA was established in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams (October 11, 1821 – November 6, 1905), a draper’s shop assistant, to give young men an alternative to life on the streets.

Second oldest YMCA was founded in Boston. The YMCA of Greater Boston, founded in 1851, was the first YMCA in the United States. The organization began as a modest Evangelical association, and by the late nineteenth century, had become a major social service organization dedicated to improving the lives of young men. With that aim in mind, the YMCA held athletic and educational facilities, provided employment services, offered accommodation for young unmarried men, organized summer camps for boys, and served as a place for young men to socialize.

Third oldest YMCA was founded in Montreal. The first Canadian YMCA opens in Montreal. Early services include Bible studies, lectures, reading rooms, and physical activities like gymnastics and boxing.

Fourth oldest YMCA was founded in Springfield. 5/3/1852 (second oldest Y in the USA) Old First Church was the site of the first association meeting.

Milton Bradley (publishing/lithography) was elected President now known as Chief Volunteer Officer from 1873 – 1874.

YMCA International Training School now Springfield College.

Luther Gulick, superintendent of the physical department, at the International YMCA Training School, assigned the task of creating an indoor game to be played by students. The game of basketball was invented by James Naismith.

Camp Norwich, on Lake Norwich Huntington, MA was the first Y camp in New England. Closed in 1989; sold to Springfield College 1994; purchased back 2002; sold to Hampshire Regional YMCA 2006.

Springfield YMCA Railroad – Railroad YMCA associations popped up nationwide.

Horace Moses; President 1915 – 1917.

New Central branch moved to Chestnut Street & Hillman Street location. West Springfield Branch – Horace Moses, Strathmore Paper, was involved with the development of this branch as well. Endowment gifts from Mr. Moses still support the YMCA of Greater Springfield with our mission.

The YMCA contracted with Northeastern College to become a division of the Springfield Northeastern College now known as Western New England College (WNEC).

Women were invited into “everything YMCA”.

Paucatuck Park Family Center/Camp Weber established; Years later the Agawam Family Center/Camp Millbrook was established.

Moved to 275 Chestnut Street, Springfield.

Scantic Valley YMCA – “Y Without Walls”.

North End Youth Center was established in the old Jefferson Theater, Main St, Springfield. It was a collaboration of local agencies to keep our kids safe and off the streets.

Capital Campaign started; the purpose of the campaign was to build a new branch for the Scantic Valley YMCA and create a new home for the NEYC.

NEYC moved to its new location at 1772 Dwight Street, Springfield in the former Blessed Sacrament Church in January.

Scantic Valley YMCA opened its new facility at 45 Post Office Park in Wilbraham in September.

Scantic Valley Child Development Center was established: it is also located in Post Office Park Wilbraham, opened in September.

Y-AIM program Inception

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Dunbar YMCA Family & Community Center Inception