Located in the far western suburbs of Omaha, Nebraska, the Boys Town Historic District is a National Historic Landmark that showcases the community's rich history, established by Father Edward J. Flanagan in 1917. The original construction of the town began on 160 acres of land donated by four local landowners, who were moved by Flanagan's vision of creating a home for homeless boys. The town, designed as a self-sustaining community, was envisioned to provide a rigorous education, and vocational training in a wide range of skills to its residents.

As the town grew in size, it attracted nation-wide attention for its innovative approach to child care and rehabilitation. The historic district spans over 125 acres of the original town, showcasing approximately 85 historic buildings constructed between 1924 and 1981. These structures represent the architectural style of the time period and embody the values and principles of Boys Town. The district is distinctive in its Midwestern charm, with curved roadways and buildings designed with varying materials including limestone, brick, and wood. Examples of such architecturally significant buildings include the Flanagan Administration Building and the Hall of History.

One of the historic structures, the Hall of History, houses the Boys Town Museum, which presents the history of the town and showcases a range of artifacts and exhibits related to Father Flanagan and the town. The building, originally known as the Refectory, is constructed of limestone and brick in a Spanish Revival style, exemplifying the town's architectural eclectic mix. Likewise, the Flanagan Administration Building was the seat of administrative power in Boys Town and showcases Spanish Colonial architectural elements.

Another historic attraction within the district is the Father Flanagan's Home, completed in 1927. Flanagan's modest home has undergone extensive renovations and today provides an insight into the life and preferences of its famous former occupant. Visitors can stroll through the carefully preserved home, now a museum, to experience the Father's personal touches and intimate space.

In 1985, Boys Town Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which identified the properties that required preservation and conservation. Preservation efforts carried out by the Boys Town Board and the National Park Service led to the district being formally designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1986.

In 1993 a historic district preservation plan was accepted by the Boys Town Historic Preservation Society that outlined key developments within the district during major expansion periods between 1917 and 1985, thus resulting in enhanced appreciation of its historical architecture and pioneering vision for juvenile reform and rehabilitation.

Additionally, as an educational component to its historic district, the Boys Town Historic District is one of the region's largest and most important examples of the evolving vision of early American penal reform movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. This ongoing tradition encompasses all levels of Boys Town instructional environments. For example, educational programs housed in the 1941 one-story School Building or ongoing community developments have effectively and harmoniously evolved the understanding and concept that brought Father Flanagan vision into actuality and what has kept Boys Town going.

The preservation plan coupled with significant ongoing architectural additions of international prestige the historically rooted, eclectically mix of architectural landmarks makes the Boys Town Historic District one of the leading significant complexes within Nebraska.