Guide to Boys Town, Nebraska

Just like any other town, it has its own fire department, post office, middle and high schools, churches (one catholic and one protestant), police force, national research hospital and medical clinics, gift shop, tourist attractions, cafe, zip code, and over 1,000 employees.

Boys Town’s well-structured model has garnered immense praise in Nebraska and nationwide, with its proven success in empowering children to thrive and develop into responsible, compassionate adults.

Children attend year-round school and participate in recreational activities, school sports, and various other extracurricular activities.

Map of Boys Town

Boys Town is located between 132nd and 150th Streets between West Dodge Road and Pacific Street in Douglas County, Nebraska.

History of Boys Town

This village was established as the headquarters of the Boys Town organization, also known as “Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home”, founded by Father Edward J. Flanagan in 1917. He was a 31-year-old, Irish-born Catholic priest who settled in Omaha, Nebraska.

He was concerned about the challenges young homeless boys face and sought to create a safe environment for them. He named it “Boys Home”.

This home was originally based in a rented Victorian mansion in downtown Omaha, where five boys with troubled backgrounds moved in with Father Flanagan. Their hopes were for better futures than the ones that life had laid out for them. A couple were homeless, and some were referred by the court system.

The five boys grew so rapidly till more than a hundred troubled boys called the new little village home. Again, the number kept growing, and more boys enrolled that the organization had to move to a larger space just a few months after launch. Even the new space eventually did not fit all the boys in the program, so Father Flanagan went on to buy a farm 10 miles outside of Omaha.

He established elementary and high schools to ensure that the boys got the education they would need to help them succeed in life, with a vocational center for learning a trade to support themselves. In 1979, Boys Town began enrolling at-risk girls into its programs.

Although Boys Town expanded considerably, it has stayed in the same location since 1921. From its early days as a simple shelter for a few homeless boys, it evolved into a vibrant community that focused on providing a caring community, education, and guidance to turn wayward teens, regardless of race or religion, into responsible citizens.

Demographics of Boys Town

Boys Town is one of the largest residential care communities in the country. Most of the residents are children receiving support through various programs.

Most of these children are aged between 10 and 18 years old, representing diverse ethnic backgrounds. They come from across the country seeking help for various reasons, including broken homes, abuse, and neglect.

The Boys Town staff members comprise most of the village’s population. They include professionals such as teachers, counselors, social workers, and healthcare providers who work closely with the children to help them achieve their goals. Many staff members often live on creating a close-knit, supportive community.

Impact on the Community

Over the years, Boys Town’s growth did not affect its core principles, offering hope and healing to countless young lives. Through a comprehensive system of education, healthcare, and community support, it aims to create a positive impact on the children’s lives, tremendously impacting the local community. It thus became a symbol of hope for thousands of at-risk youth.

The organization has:

• Successfully supported and rehabilitated over 25,000 boys and girls over the past century.
• Developed an innovative educational program, giving children from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to excel academically and vocationally.
• Established a research hospital, providing specialized care to kids from all over the nation.
• Inspired communities around the world to adopt its values and model, spreading its principles of care and compassion.

Today, at any given time, about 400 boys and girls live in the village full-time, receiving care and guidance for a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and academic issues. Flanagan’s mission of saving children and healing families continues

Visitors to Boys Town are often struck by the strong sense of community that binds its residents together. The village is not only a refuge for children in need but also a shining example of how people can overcome adversity and transform their lives with the right support and guidance.

People and Events in Boys Town

Over time, Boys Home became a sprawling village on a 1,000-acre property in West Omaha. It rebranded as “Boys Town” in 1921. Despite its small size, the city holds countless events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, art festivals, and farmer’s markets.

There is the annual Family Reunion Picnic that brings together families and community members for games and activities. The Boys Town Booster Banquet holds every year. It’s an occasion to celebrate the achievements and success stories of former and current residents. The event also serves as a fundraiser to support the ongoing programs and services provided by Boys Town.

The nearby Boys Town National Historic District has a variety of cultural attractions to honor the work done by Father Flanagan at the original campus.

Experience Boys Town

Boys Town High School

Boys Town had a unique philosophy, “There are no bad boys, only bad environments, training, and examples.” Boys Town High School is known for its excellent curriculum and supportive environment, which helps students excel in their academics and personal growth.

The high school offers diverse courses, allowing students to explore various subjects and interests. Classes are designed to be engaging and interactive, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Boys Town High School offers students numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities by offering various clubs and organizations, like sports teams, performing arts, community service programs, and leadership clubs.

The school’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience for students. These include modern classrooms, well-stocked libraries, and advanced technology resources. The school continually invests in keeping its campus up-to-date, ensuring students can access the best learning environment.

Boys Town National Research Hospital

If you live in Omaha, Boys Town is more known for its hospital and clinics.

The Boys Town National Research Hospital offers world-class medical care to children with complex health conditions. It is renowned for its comprehensive approach to treatment, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention. It’s nationally known for its focus on pediatric hearing loss and cochlear implants.

They work tirelessly to diagnose, treat, and support children experiencing hearing difficulties, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to fit hearing aids and perform cochlear implant surgeries. They also excel in developmental, neurological, and speech disorders, providing focused care for each child’s needs.

Boys Town has a clinic that provides autism services. As an adult, I went to an ENT at Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute to have a complex ear issue diagnosed and treated.

Visiting Boys Town

Boys Town offers a unique experience for visitors interested in learning about its rich history and ongoing efforts to help children and families. When arriving at Boys Town, visitors will be greeted by the friendly staff at the Visitor Center. One can find informational brochures, maps, and a brief orientation to help plan their visit.

Boys Town has several attractions open to the public that are worth exploring.

While walking around the campus, guests can enjoy the well-manicured grounds dotted with peaceful green spaces and gardens. Stunning buildings, such as the Chambers Chapel, provide moments of tranquility and reflection amid the bustling community atmosphere. Father Flanagan’s Tomb in Dowd Memorial Chapel is where Fr. Flanagan was laid to rest.

A few other places to visit:

The Hall of History

This museum presents an exciting review of Boys Town and its impact on the lives of young children. Through exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can admire the photographs, artifacts, and multimedia displays that illustrate the inspiring story of Boys Town and its founder, Father Edward J. Flanagan.

Father Flanagan’s Historic House

The former residence of the founder, Father Edward J. Flanagan, stands as an important landmark in the community. The house displays his personal belongings, including furniture, photographs, and books, providing an intimate glimpse into his life and work.

It provides insight into his life and the early days of the organization. Guests can tour the house and view artifacts, photos, and all his items.

World’s Largest Ball of Stamps

As balls of stamps go, this is the world’s known largest, solid stamps, not just a ball covered with stamps. It is at the rear of the Visitor’s Center at Boy’s Town.