NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA prides itself on building strong kids, strong families and strong communities and beginning on Monday, the Y will celebrate 145 years of doing just that.

From Nov. 5 through Nov. 9, the YMCA will be celebrating its 145th anniversary with an open house and member appreciation events. On Nov. 12, 1862, the New York State Committee of the YMCA received requests for methods of starting a YMCA facility in Norwich. During the YMCA’s early years, donations, gifts and fundraising provided all money for operations. From their first location in the Academy of Music Building on South Broad Street to their present location at 68 -70 North Broad Street, the YMCA has seen many homes and has had many children and adults walk through their doors.

For weeks, volunteers have been working to sort through old photos and documents to make a YMCA timeline that will be on display in the main lobby.