At its core roots the YMCA is a charitable, community-oriented organization. Throughout the course of our two-century history, the YMCA has followed through with our commitment to the spirit, the mind, and the body. Originally founded during the Industrial Revolution in England, the Y movement quickly spread to the U.S, forming its first chapter in Boston in 1851. In 1857, the first Capital District charter opened. Throughout this 166-year long history, our commitment to our community has been unwavering. Through countless, consecutive, and consistent giving, we serve our mission, whether through camp scholarships, healthy living partnerships, or community-oriented charitable programs; we empower the founding principles of the YMCA into our charter. We are a leading nonprofit in our community, with a dedication to be the change we want to see.
1857
The first area YMCAs are formed in Albany and Troy, the same year the first YMCA is established in the U.S. (Boston) and 13 years after the YMCA is founded in London, England.
1858
Schenectady YMCA is formed.
1913
YMCA Camp Chingachgook is established on Lake George.
1971
Greater Glenville Family YMCA (formerly Parkside) facility is dedicated.
1990
Capital District YMCA forms, as a consolidation of the Albany, Schenectady, and Troy YMCAs.
1994
New Southern Saratoga YMCA facility opens to the public.
1995
Mont Pleasant Commons Senior Housing opens to residents.
1999
Circle of Champs Founded.
2000
New Guilderland YMCA opens.
2002
Greenbush Area YMCA opens.
2003
CDYMCA Black and Latino Achievers program created.
2004
Bethlehem Area YMCA opens, becoming the 10th branch of the Capital District YMCA, and the first Capital District YMCA with an ice rink.
YMCA purchases Camp Nassau in Guilderland. Camp Nassau has been re-named YMCA Adventure Camp to better reflect its regional nature.
2010
New Schenecady YMCA opens in March.
2013
Healthy Living Center opens in Albany. The Healthy Living Center helps people live well, reduce their risk for chronic disease, and reclaim their health.
2014
845 Commons, the new Men’s Residence, opens in June.
New Greene County YMCA opens in October.
2016
The Greenbush YMCA and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals partner for the Blue Line Fitness program. Blue Line Fitness provides on-site personal training and wellness programs to over 2,600 local Regeneron employees.
2022
New programming partnership with U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants created.
2023
New Evolution opens in February.
New Albany location opens in April.