Sign Text for Nebraska Landmark #226:
Boys Town was founded as a home and school for homeless, abandoned, neglected, or otherwise underprivileged boys, regardless of color or creed, by Father Edward J. Flanagan (1886-1948) on December 10, 1917. The first Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Home at 25th and Dodge Streets in Omaha, Nebraska, sheltered five boys: three from the Juvenile Court and two homeless newsboys.
On October 17, 1921, Father Flanagan bought Overlook Farm outside Omaha, nucleus of today’s Boys Town campus. From here, thousands of Boys Town residents have gone on to become productive citizens in all walks of life.
The philosophy of Boys Town is summarized in Father Flanagan’s words:
“Our young people are our greatest wealth. Give them a chance, and they will give a good account of themselves. No boy wants to be bad. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.”
More about Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home:
Though this village kept the name Boys Town, it started accepting girls into its residential programs in 1979! Today, kids at Boys Town get a safe place to live, counseling, and education!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Nebraska Historical Marker Program!
- Donate to Boys Town!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Visitor Center
- 13628 Flanagan Blvd
Boys Town, NE 68010
Hall of History
- 14057 Flanagan Blvd, Boys Town, NE 68010
Father Flanagan’s House
- 14153 Grodinsky Cir
Boys Town, NE 68010
When Should I Visit?
The visitor center is open Monday through Thursday, from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM until 1:30 PM!
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