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Celebrate 160 Years With Us!

The YMCA of Greater Omaha proudly celebrates 160 years of strengthening communities and supporting individuals and families across our region. For more than a century and a half, the Y has been a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow, connect, and thrive—through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our 160th anniversary is both a celebration of impact and a reflection of the stories, relationships, and everyday moments that continue to bring our mission to life across every community we serve.

 

We invite you to be part of the celebration by sharing your YMCA experience & your love of the YMCA of Greater Omaha! 

Post to our social wall! Share a photo of your workout of the day, your favorite group fitness class, an exciting youth sports moment or swim lesson success. Share a short video of what the Y means to you. Share a shoutout to your favorite Y staff member or a dedicated member - we want to hear from you!

  • Share your story on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter or TikTok) - make sure your account is not private
  • Use the hashtag #Y160
  • Tag your home YMCA (not required)
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The First 150 Years

We first opened our doors in 1866 to serve young Christian men working on the transcontinental railroad.

Today, we boast 13 locations throughout the Metro Area, ensuring that everyone- regardless of age, income, or background - has the opportunity to play, learn, grow, and thrive.

For our first 150 years of strengthening the Omaha community, we provided "firsts" and lifelong memories to members and non members alike. Summer camp camaraderie, a weight loss transformation, racquetball partners turned forever friends, a first soccer goal, water therapy, swim lessons, and more.

To see what the past several years were made of, flip through our 150-year anniversary booklet or read up on some key moments in time below.

1866

George Frost, the purchasing agent for the Union Pacific Railroad, formed the first Omaha YMCA in 1866. 

The first YMCA build was located between Farnam and Douglas on 12th Street. Torn down after a few months, a new two-story basement frame building was erected at a cost of $2,600

1868

The Articles of Incorporation were filed, the constitution and bylaws were written, and the structure was brought to the Omaha YMCA. 

Watson B. Smith, a local businessman, became president and Dr. J.C. Denise, an Omaha physician, became the corresponding secretary.

Any male member of good standing in any Evangelical Church could become a member after being referred to the Board of Directors for election. Women could become Auxillary members for a $1 yearly fee or a Life Auxillary member for a $15 yearly fee.

1890

The Omaha YMCA Football Team challenged the University of Nebraska Old Gold Knights—today's Nebraska Cornhuskers—in their first-ever game on November 27, 1980, with a score of 10-0 in favor of Nebraska. 

The YMCA also played the Omaha College Team on January 1, 1981.

1897

Basketball was invented at the International YMCA Training School, now Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts. 

Omaha's YMCA sent a delegation of men to Kansas to learn the game and then organized a team, which swept away most opposition in the Midwest.