Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings in
1860 with several women in Hartford, Conn. Believing that boys who roamed
the streets should have a positive alternative, they organized the first
Club. A cause was born.
In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided to affiliate. The Federated Boys
Clubs in Boston was formed with 53 member organizations.
In 1931, the Boys Club Federation of America became Boys Clubs of America.
Photo of
Elenor Roosavelt at Boys Club
In 1956, Boys Clubs of America celebrated its 50th anniversary and received
a U.S. Congressional Charter.
To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national
organization's name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
in 1990. Accordingly, Congress amended and renewed our charter
