The collection documents the history and work of the San Francisco Chinatown Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association. The collection contains administrative and financial records; board and committee meeting minutes; materials related to development and the Y's renovation and expansion; papers collected by Y leadership; materials related to Y history, activities, and events; records related to the men's and women's clubs (Alpha Ram Omega and Y-MS); publications; photographic materials; and VHS tapes.

The Chinatown YMCA was founded by local church leaders in a rented storefront in 1911. In 1926, the facility at 855 Sacramento Street was dedicated, and the branch joined the international YMCA organization. The Y serves the Chinatown community through a varietyof services, activities, and programs, including health education, fitness programs, athletic teams, service clubs, dances, camps, technical education, and bible study. Early on, the Y provided support and opportunities for first-generation Chinese Americans, and later, it did the same for new immigrants in the community. Membership is multi-generational, but the focus on youth programs has always been central to the Y's mission. In order to better serve its community, the Chinatown Branch opened its expanded facility in 2010. For more on the branch's history please consult materials in Series 7. Chinatown YMCA History.

26.3 linear feet (18 cartons, 1 box, 3 oversize boxes)

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Collection is partially open for research. Digital materials are in process and currently unavailable.