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Moments in History

Memorable Moments

Over the past 100 years, Boys Town has witnessed countless historic moments that tell the tale of one man's vision and how it changed the way America cares for its children. You’ll take a trip through the past when you watch these Boys Town “Moments in History.”

Father Flanagan Helped Japanese-American Families

When the Takahashi family, along with thousands of Japanese Americans, were unjustly imprisoned in internment camps during World War II, they turned to Father Flanagan of Boys Town.

Father Flanagan Statue

In the early 1960s, Monsignor Nicholas Wegner, Boys Town director at the time, conceived a plan to place a memorial to Father Flanagan on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Monsignor Wegner selected an artist and approved a design, which was turne

Flanagan’s Desk

The intricately inlaid wooden desk is more than just the spot where Boys Town’s founder conducted his daily business; it’s a testament to the boys who crafted it.

Father Flanagan's Kennedy Book

Perhaps it was the “luck of the Irish.” An extremely important, valuable and rare book was almost lost forever, were it not for the sharp eyes of a Boys Town employee at a library book sale.

First Family Home

This unassuming home on the Boys Town campus represents a revolution in residential youth care. It was designed by Father Flanagan to house up to 25 boys in a dormitory-style arrangement.

Foundation Stone

With nothing more than a $90 loan from a trusted friend, Father Flanagan began his mission to save Omaha’s homeless boys. All that remains of Boys Town’s original location is a small piece of limestone rubble, but its size disguises its monumental si

A bit of a showman himself, Father Flanagan knew the value of entertainment when it came to spreading the Boys Town message.

Up against bigger schools that fielded much larger teams, the Boys Town girls’ track team achieved one of the most remarkable performances in Nebraska high school athletic history.

A Road Much Traveled

Today, all that remains of Birch Drive are a few decaying slabs of concrete. But back in its day, it was the final road to rescue for many young boys with nothing left to lose.

American's No.1 War Dad

When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, three former Boys Town residents died, along with the more than 2,000 other victims of the attack.

This 1952 Flxible Visicoach transports passengers back to an era when integrated schools such as Boys Town experienced many difficulties when taking their athletic teams on the road.

Father Flanagan's Cross of Cong

One of Boys Town’s most visually stunning and culturally valuable artifacts — Father Flanagan’s personal replica of the famous Cross of Cong — was almost lost forever.

A Historic Work of Art

Thanks to the artistic talents of a Holocaust survivor who found her way to Boys Town, a beautiful backdrop in the Music Hall was created in the late 1940s.

When Boys Town Became a Village

Since opening the doors of Boys Town in 1917, Father Flanagan welcomed all boys, regardless of race, creed or color. When the laws of the time threatened his vision to provide a home for these boys, he moved them to Overlook Farm, west of Omaha, and

Health and Healing for Generations

Healing kids in body, mind and spirit was the heart of Father Flanagan’s philosophy. Medical care has always been part of Boys Town. From the early days of the infirmary staffed by nuns to our current Boys Town National Research Hospital