Ann Arbor YMCA history

The Michigan women founded their branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1896.

Thomas Birkett’s property on Silver Lake in Dexter was initially deeded to the YMCA in 1914 as an all boys’ residence camp.

The YMCA began relief work and its building in Ann Arbor became the initial meeting ground for those interested in helping. . After the establishment of a chapter of the Red Cross in 1917, the YMCA, and the YWCA shifted to support the Red Cross and the Women’s Committee of National Defense.

"War Work" being done by the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter of the D.A.R. taken March 28, 1918.

Arthur Smith, “The 30th Anniversary of the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter, DAR, (1926).” Folder 14, Box 27, Daughters of the American Revolution Collection, BHL Mrs.

In 1956, the YMCA and YWCA merged to become what is now known as the Ann Arbor YMCA. The men and women of the Ann Arbor YMCA raised funds to build a new facility at 350 South Fifth Avenue.

In 1968 Camp Al-Gon-Quian, on the shores of Burt Lake, was purchased from Herbert Twining.

The YMCA’s full-day childcare program for 2 ½ year olds to kindergartners was opened in early 1987.

In 1991, the City of Ann Arbor-YMCA residence facility was expanded to provide occupancy from 37 to 100 single rooms for men and women.

In 1997, the Board of Directors recognized the need for the Ann Arbor YMCA to expand and to better meet the needs of people in our community.

On April 1, 2005, the new Ann Arbor YMCA facility at 400 West Washington Street officially opened.