Each year, around 30,000 people visit Boys Town's Hall of History to learn about our humble beginnings and the vision that Father Edward Flanagan had for the organization.
Opening in 1986, the museum filled its space with memorabilia, newspaper clippings, an Oscar statue, and many more artifacts that showed what life was like for kids not only at Boys Town but also in America.
This year, the Hall of History received a major facelift for the first time in its 30-year existence.
"Over the last 30 years, we have refreshed exhibits every five to six years; however, this is the first major update since 1986," explained Tom Lynch, Director of Community Programs and the Hall of History.
To design the new exhibit, Lynch and his team went back to its roots commissioning the design firm Eisterhold Associates of Kansas City, Missouri to do the job. Eisterhold were the original designers of the Hall of History and have a history of working on museums that involve civil rights. In fact, they have designed exhibits for both the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, and the Rosa Parks Museum and Library and Children's Annex in Montgomery, Alabama.
Eisterhold set its sights on designing Boys Town's Hall of History in 1986 because of Father Flanagan's commitment to helping boys of all races and religions.
"We were excited to bring this project to Eisterhold," said Lynch. "The same designer that worked with us 30 years ago, worked on the new exhibit, as well."
In 2015, Eisterhold laid the blueprint for the design of the new exhibit. The new exhibit was built by McCullough Creative in Dubuque, Iowa and transferred to the Hall of History in fall 2016.
The exhibit offers a glimpse of the modern Boys Town, educating visitors on Boys Town programs and issues Boys Town youth face today through interactive presentations and videos. Each Boys Town site is represented on a large map, and a whole wall is dedicated to the care we provide children and families through the Boys Town National Research Hospital.
In addition, special artifacts, such as the Centennial Coin Bill signed by President Barack Obama, and a window from Saint Patrick's Church in Omaha are also in the exhibit. Boys Town youth also will display artwork.
"The intent was to show visitors how our children live in the Village of Boys Town and across the United States. Coming to this exhibit, they get a feel for what it's like to be a Boys Town youth or family," said Lynch. "A lot visitors to the new exhibit have said they didn't realize the scope of Boys Town's work and are interested in learning more."
To see the new exhibit, stop by the Hall of History Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To schedule a group tour, contact Tom Lynch at 402.498.1186.
