Moments in History

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 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 turned into a miniature. But that’s as far as the project progressed.
	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 significance.
	The Show Wagon	A bit of a showman himself, Father Flanagan knew the value of entertainment when it came to spreading the Boys Town message.
	America'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.
	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.
	Boys Town Bus	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.
	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.
	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.
	Girls' Track	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.
	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.

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