NewsLocal News

Actions

Boys Town celebrates 100 years with time capsule

Posted at 3:15 PM, Dec 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-12 19:10:31-05

A big celebration for an Omaha landmark helping get kids on positive paths. Boys Town officially opened 100 years ago.

Tuesday morning, Boys Town filled a time capsule that will stay in Father Flanagan's office for 100 more years until being opened. It includes a key to the City of Omaha, Boys Town coins created by the U.S. Mint, and an ornament and wooden craft that were made by students who have learned through the Boys Town system.

It was started in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan as an orphanage for troubled boys and continues to serve youth.

"It's amazing. Father Flanagan just seems like he is here every day with us. He said right before he died that, 'The work will continue you see because it's God's work and not mine.' And we really believe that, that we're doing Father Flanagan's work, even today," Father Steven Boes said.

Staff and alumni also walked from the old German-American Home to the current campus — it's the same route 200 residents took in 1921 when they moved.

Mayor Jean Stothert proclaimed Dec. 12 "Father Flanagan Day" to commemorate the occasion.