Located in the heart of Omaha, Boys Town is a national historic district and non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and resources to at-risk youth. Founded in 1917 by Reverend Edward J. Flanagan, a Catholic priest, Boys Town initially opened as a home for five boys. Flanagan's vision quickly grew, and the town began to expand with its own postal station, two churches, and a bank, becoming a self-sufficient community that empowered its residents.

A significant aspect of Boys Town's growth and development can be attributed to the unique governance structure implemented by Flanagan. The town was arranged into a Democratic town hall system where residents voted on town policies, further reinforcing the concept of collective responsibility and teamwork. The governance model effectively transformed the dynamics of life within the community, allowing residents to assume a more active role in shaping their surroundings.

Boys Town is also renowned for its innovative educational programs, structured to equip residents with the necessary skills for long-term success. Flanagan emphasized that the absence of education led to disillusionment and despair. Consequently, the establishment of a rigorous educational system that focused on training boys in areas such as agriculture, mechanics, and vocational skills became essential. One notable example of the institution's distinctive education is its "Train Your Dog, Train Your Mind" program, in which residents could take a stray dog under their care. This interaction effectively taught the residents compassion, empathy, and about being responsible for something.

Over the years, many efforts have been made to preserve the rich history and architectural heritage of Boys Town. The Hall of History, which was originally constructed as the Girls' Home in 1929, has been transformed into a museum depicting the town's fascinating history. The Father Flanagan's Historic House, which dates back to the 1920s, also serves as a major tourist attraction. This carefully curated artifact manages to replicate life as it once was, seamlessly capturing the sense of tranquility and camaraderie found in the bygone era.

Today, Boys Town continues to play a significant role in empowering more than 1,000 youth through its family home program and long-term residential programs. It also has counseling services and medical facilities on site, offering a comprehensive support system. Moreover, the town recognizes its obligation to share its experience with other local communities, conducting numerous workshops and lectures across Nebraska and other states, showcasing its successful interventional methods and its understanding of the complexities faced by young at-risk individuals.

Despite its numerous achievements and contributions to society, Boys Town faces an ongoing challenge in keeping up-to-date with existing modern trends in social work, and so finding more innovative methods of conducting their various interventional strategies. However, it is undeniable that, since its inception over a century ago, the organization has continually grown and adapted to tackle new issues.

Although offering the core principles upon which the entire project was built has always been the bedrock, one thing that it now stresses is the community atmosphere – that helps promote the growth and bond among the inhabitants. Hence, giving kids as much freedom and options while still empowering them to make the correct decisions.

Spread over about 620 acres, Boys Town is most definitely a rare and eye-catching community in the country. In order to enjoy the serene experience that this provides to families, families have developed trips to the beautiful village over the years.