OUR HISTORY
In 1910, a group of dedicated Greenwich residents founded the Greenwich Boys Club in order to help young boys from disadvantaged circumstances develop good character, primarily through athletic and recreational programs. The earliest records indicate that the group met in a storefront on the Post Road (site of the current YMCA) and, in 1920, moved to Railroad Avenue in a building across from the Greenwich Train Station. The Club’s rapid growth in membership and desire to serve boys’ needs attracted the benevolence and generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Wiggin, who donated $250,000 to acquire land and build the historic Georgian style Clubhouse situated on Horseneck Lane.
In 2003, the Club embarked on a Capital Campaign to raise $15M for a much-needed renovation to the facility. The Campaign was a great success, surpassing the original goal. The renovation, which was designed to provide the community with a state-of-the-art youth facility, was completed in 2005.
Today, our facility serves as the hub of activity for 1,450 members who are cared for by a staff with one objective: to provide a safe place for kids with access to mentors and opportunities to learn and grow.
Through the Years
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1910Boys Club of Greenwich established and located at 56 East Putnam Avenue
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1921Boys Club of Greenwich becomes a charter member of Boys Clubs of America
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1921Club moves to 33 Railroad Avenue
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1939Mr. & Mrs. Albert Wiggin donate $250,000 to purchase land and build a Clubhouse at 4 Railroad Avenue
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1951The Simmons family donates a 77-acre property on Lake Avenue which becomes “Camp Simmons”
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1976Robert Zikias from the Greenwich Club is named National Youth of the Year and meets with President Gerald Ford
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1985Girls become members, and the Club is renamed Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich
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2003Clubhouse undergoes a major renovation with programs moved to satellite locations
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2005Club reopens with a new pool, ice rink, air conditioning, elevator and new classroom space
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2010Known as “The Decision,” LeBron James announced at BGCG that he would be signing with the Miami Heat instead of returning to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers
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2010Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich celebrates its first 100 years of serving children
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2020Described as one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell made a surprise appearance at Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich talking to a small group of teens
