YMCA in Derry celebrates 169th anniversary with heritage project launch

Londonderry YMCA, one of the city’s longest-standing community organisations, is celebrating a significant milestone on Tuesday: its 169th anniversary. To honour its nearly two centuries of history and community impact, the YMCA is urging past members, volunteers, and participants to contribute their memories and memorabilia to a new heritage archive.

Formed on December 9, 1856, by 12 members of the 3rd Derry (Great James Street) Presbyterian Church, Londonderry YMCA has been a cornerstone of the community. The organisation made history in 1867 by opening "The East Wall," Europe’s first purpose-built YMCA building, a site now occupied by the Millennium Forum. Throughout two world wars, the YMCA provided vital welfare support for troops and, after a brief hiatus in the 1970s, re-established itself at its current 20-acre site in Drumahoe in 1980.

Today, the organisation is renowned for its quality youth work services, reaching over 700 young people weekly through its main centre in Drumahoe and satellite clubs in Tullyally, Currynierin, Lettershandoney, and Eglinton.

The new archive campaign is made possible by a recent £117,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, awarded in April 2025 to mark 40 years at the Drumahoe location. The funding supports the “Your Story, Our History” project, which aims to create a secure, accessible archive of over 165 years of history.

As part of this initiative, the YMCA is hosting a series of thematic storytelling sessions to capture rich oral histories. Sessions dedicated to the drama group and rugby teams have already taken place, with future sessions planned for the youth club, infinity discos, and other sports.

Lisa Dunn, General Secretary of Londonderry YMCA, commented on the milestone: “It is truly amazing to reach this milestone, and it’s a history that belongs to every single person who has walked through our doors. Our journey, from our beginnings in 'Widows Row' and opening the first purpose-built YMCA in Europe, to our vital role today serving over 700 young people across five communities, is truly remarkable.”

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Ms. Dunn added: “The new Heritage Project allows us to formally honour and protect this incredible legacy. We're calling on everyone to join our 'Your Story, Our History' sessions. Come share your memories - big or small - so we can properly honour this incredible legacy and inspire the next generation.”

Members of the public with memories to share are warmly invited to attend upcoming sessions. Full details and schedules can be found on the Londonderry YMCA Heritage Facebook Page. Those unable to attend can submit written records or audio/video recordings to the Heritage Team via email at heritage.lderry@ymca-ireland.net.