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History of the Schenectady YMCA

The roots of the Schenectady YMCA go back to 1857, when citizens began meeting as the Young Men's Christian Association. A year later the first YMCA was organized under the leadership of Union College Professor John Newman, and rooms were secured at 202 State Street.

In 1871 a lot at State and Ferry Streets was purchased for $9,000, and roughly $40,000 was subscribed to erect a building on the site.

The YMCA launched Camp Chingachgook in 1915. In 1917 the Y initiated a campaign for a new building, purchasing the property at 13 State Street three years later and moving into the new quarters in 1921. In 1925 the YMCA raised $625,000 to construct a building at 13 State Street, which it dedicated in 1928.

The Scotia-Glenville Branch was organized in 1957. In 1965 the Y purchased 42 acres for the Family Branch, and two years later bought 33 acres in Rotterdam for future construction.

The next year $800,000 in renovations were done at the Downtown Branch, and in 1969 $1.5 million was raised to construct the Mont Pleasant, Rotterdam and Glenville facilities. The Mont Pleasant and Glenville branches opened in 1970.

During the 80s the Steinmetz Wing and a new Nautilus Center opened in the Downtown Branch, and a new Family Fitness Center opened at the Parkside Y. In 1990, the Capital District YMCA became the umbrella organization for all regional branches.

In 2003 the Schenectady YMCA honored people with more than 50 years of membership.

Why we're building a new Y.

The Schenectady Branch has served thousands of residents over the years by providing childcare, fitness programs, camping, aquatics and social services. However, the current site at 13 State Street is inadequate for current and future needs.

Built in 1926, the branch is antiquated and run down, has limited access and important safety issues, and has remained virtually unchanged for 80 years. The condition and limitations of our current building make it impossible for us to expand our services or offer new and improved programs. For all these reasons and cost considerations, our most viable option is to relocate and build a new Schenectady YMCA.