Follow in the Footsteps of Father Flanagan
Thank you for joining us for Boys Town's History Week. Our organization has a rich history spanning over a century, and it all started with Father Flanagan.
Father Flanagan strolled the halls and streets of Boys Town with his beloved boys for many years. Take a walk with us as we show you many of his favorite spots on campus. And while you’re following in Father’s Footsteps, you’re sure to learn something about his outlook on life and how it still guides our principles today.
Father Flanagan's House
The Hall of History Museum presents the unique history of Boys Town through permanent exhibits that use audio and video presentations. Some of the artifacts on display include the Best Actor Oscar presented to Spencer Tracy for his role as Father Flanagan in the motion picture “Boys Town,” and the Flex bus that once carried Boys Town athletic teams across America.
Dowd Chapel
In 1941 the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception Dowd Memorial was dedicated at Boys Town. Miss Marie Dowd of New York City donated the funds to build the chapel in the memory of her parents and siblings. Each week, thousands of worshippers from Boys Town and the surrounding Omaha community attend the services. Father Flanagan's tomb is also located inside Dowd Chapel.
Hall of History Museum
The Hall of History Museum presents the unique history of Boys Town through permanent exhibits that use audio and video presentations. Some of the artifacts on display include the Best Actor Oscar presented to Spencer Tracy for his role as Father Flanagan in the motion picture “Boys Town,” and the Flex bus that once carried Boys Town athletic teams across America.
Father Flanagan's Garden
Peonies and roses, Father Flanagan's favorite flowers, decorate the campus of Boys Town in the memorial garden. Its roots date back to the 1930s when Father Flanagan encouraged gardening as a positive outdoor activity for children.
Father Flanagan's Tomb
“The work will continue, you see, whether I am there or not," Father Flanagan once said, “because it is God's work, not mine." In 1948, Father suffered a massive heart attack and died in Berlin, Germany. Two days after his funeral, President Truman came to Boys Town and laid flowers on Father’s tomb to honor the man who died while on a mission to aid children. He still rests at Boys Town within Dowd Chapel, where youth and visitors can be near him.
Father Flanagan Boulevard
Father Flanagan Boulevard was named after our founder because it is the main road through the Village of Boys Town, connecting all of the major buildings on campus.
Birch Drive
Back in its day, Birch Drive was the final road to rescue for many young boys with nothing left to lose. They came from the streets of Omaha, and even from as far away as New York and California. Regardless of where they began their journeys, each one walked down that famed birch-lined road to the new life that awaited him.
Boys Town's Post Office
Did you know the Village of Boys Town has it's own post office? It was opened in December 1934 with Father Flanagan's nephew Patrick Norton as the first post master. The Boys Town residents often helped in the post office by sorting the letters and packages. Today, the residents don't do any sorting but the Boys Town post office has grown to one of the largest in the state of Nebraska.
Join the Town. Support Boys Town with a Monthly Gift.
Father Flanagan believed there are no bad boys, there are only children who need compassion, understanding and a second chance. When you become a monthly donor, we’ll send you a perpetual daily calendar filled with Father Flanagan’s Words of Wisdom to serve as a daily reminder of the good you are doing!
