YMCA of Greater Boston history

In the 1880’s the Y’s first physical education instructor, Robert J. Roberts, created the fitness movement in America through his new exercise program for “bodybuilding.” Classes utilized exercise drills, wooden dumbbells, “Indian Clubs,” and heavy medicine balls.

In 1896 its popular self-improvement lectures were organized into the “Evening Institute for Young Men,” managed by Frank Palmer Speare.

In 1899, the Y hosted its first summer camping season at Sandy Island Men’s Camp at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

At their flagship location on Huntington Avenue, where President William Howard Taft laid the cornerstone in 1912, the Greater Boston YMCA just completed a $40 million upgrade and renovation.

In 1975, the Black Achievers YMCA was launched to recognize African American professionals for their career accomplishments and to develop a mentoring program for teens.

In 1984 YMCA Training, Inc. program was created and later combined with the International Learning Center to provide workforce training, computer skills, and English as a second language.

In 1995 the Huntington Avenue YMCA converted dorm-style rooms to create 88 affordable permanent and transitional housing units for formerly homeless single adults and families.

He’s an award-winning reporter, host and producer who has been with GBH since 2006.

Focused on social responsibility and creating a “college bound culture,” the former Black Achievers Program changed its name to YMCA Achievers in 2010 to reach a wider, more diverse audience of teens and professionals nationwide.