History | The Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi

1844	YMCA founded in London, England by George Williams.
1851	YMCA started in the United State of America by Thomas C. Sullivan, a retired sea captain, in Boston, Massachusetts.
1913	YMCA was founded in Hattiesburg, Mississippi by Dr. C. C. Hightower, Howard A. Gilliam and Dr. V. L. Isard. Elected trustees were W. S. F. Tatum, George Komp, and Abner Polk. A $50,000 fund raising campaign was begun to underwrite the YMCA’s work.
1918	YMCA incorporated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
1923	Campsite purchased from L. N. Dantzler Lumber Company, making Camp Dantzler the oldest YCMA in the state of Mississippi.
1959	J. Maury Gandy Memorial YMCA was completed after a fund drive, which raised $150,000. John W. McArthur was Board President and John Tatum was Chairman of the Building Committee.
1967	Completed construction of a twenty-five yard swimming pool.
1982	YMCA and YWCA merged.
1983	The Family YMCA joined the National Council of YMCAs.
1984	Building renovations completed at the cost of $100,000.
1985	The Board of Directors approved a five-year strategic plan for expansion of Y programming.
1988	Camp Dantzler revitalized with an expanded YMCA Day Camp Program.
1990	Began capital campaign for current Hattiesburg facility.
1994	The Family YMCA opened its doors to members at the current location. Gwen James was Board President. The former location was sold to the City of Hattiesburg.
1998	Purchased a preschool facility to meet increasing community childcare needs.
1999	Began capital campaign for Petal facility.
2002	Groundbreaking for Petal facility held in January.
2003	Petal Family Y opened to the public March 31, at a cost of $3.5 million.
2008	Expansion and renovation of the Main Facility and Petal YMCA.

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