The YMCA is a world wide organization established over 155 years ago in London, England. The first YMCA in the United States was established in Boston in 1851. Over the years the YMCA has survived the changing times and has established itself as an important community resource in over 100 countries throughout the world. Considered the largest volunteer organization in the world, the YMCA serves over 13,000,000 members world-wide.

The Beaver Dam YMCA's roots date back as far as 1893 when it was a student organization at Wayland Academy. The Dodge County YMCA was founded in 1914 and became the Beaver Dam YMCA in 1939. In 2006 the Beaver Dam YMCA changed its name to YMCA of Dodge County to more accurately represent the communities that they serve.

Beaver Dam YMCA 1921-1959

In 1920 T. L. Newton bequested his property at 117 Park Ave. to the YMCA and the Newton homestead became the "new" home of the Y.

H.T. Burrow, president of the Monarch Range Company spearheaded a 17 year fund raising effort consisting of an annual circus, ice cream socials and house to house visits. In 1958 George Frederick chaired an all out $250,000 clean-up campaign and the current YMCA was built. It was dedicated in September of 1960.

Beaver Dam YMCA 1960-2007

Since that time numerous facility improvements have allowed the Y to keep pace with community needs. In 2005, it became obvious that the present YMCA had outgrown the walls of 117 Park Avenue and the 8.1 million dollar "Opportunity of a Lifetime" captial campaign began. By September 2007, the "new" YMCA of Dodge County located at 220 Corporate Drive, opened to serve the surrounding communities of Dodge County.

The YMCA of Dodge County is a shining example of what people with the interest, courage and foresight can do for the YMCA and for its communities.