OUR HISTORY

In  2008, the YMCA movement will proudly celebrate its 150th year in Frederick County.  What started in 1858 as a small Bible study group for men in downtown Frederick, has grown into a recreational refuge for families as well as one of the largest community service organizations in Frederick County.

The YMCA has been a strong force in the history of America and of Frederick County.  The Y has touched virtually all Americans in some way.  YMCAs invented the sport of basketball and volleyball.  It pioneered camping, public libraries, group swim lessons, indoor pools and after-school child care.  Many other organizations were fostered at YMCAs including the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire Girls, The Negro National Baseball League, the Gideons and Toastmasters.  Father’s Day also got its start at the Y.

The Young Men’s Christian Association of Frederick opened the doors of its first building on January 1, 1908.  At the time, membership was limited to white Protestant men only and cost approximately $10.00 a year for adults.

One hundred and fifty years later, the YMCA proudly serves all races, sexes, religions and income levels.  The YMCA of Frederick County now provides services to over 11,000 members and 29,000 program participants each year.  A commitment to mission and the Frederick community has guided the YMCA’s choices throughout its 150 years as an organization.

The YMCA of Frederick County is a volunteer founded, volunteer lead and volunteer based non-profit organization.  All funds raised by the YMCA stay in the community and benefit local children, families and individuals.  As proof of its commitment to Frederick, in the past five  years alone, the YMCA of Frederick County has contributed approximately $4 million dollars in financial assistance to those in need in the community,  $910,000 of which was in 2006.

MORE HISTORY HERE: 

YMCA of America - Firsts & Foremosts