Walnut Street YMCA Celebrates 85 Years With Documentary Release

A screening of "Passport to Possibilities: A Walnut Street YMCA Documentary" will celebrate the YMCA's 85th anniversary in Wilmington.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Walnut Street YMCA in Wilmington, Delaware is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a special screening of the documentary "Passport to Possibilities" on February 19th at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. The documentary, created by acclaimed historian Dr. Jeanne Nutter, chronicles the YMCA's profound impact on the Wilmington community over the past 85 years, from serving as a gathering place and cultural hub during segregation to providing a safe haven for people of all backgrounds today.

Why it matters

The Walnut Street YMCA has played a significant role in the history and development of Wilmington's African American community, serving as a hub for education, civil rights, and community life. The documentary screening celebrates this legacy and the YMCA's continued importance as a community institution.

The details

The original Walnut Street YMCA building was designed in 1939 by Wilmington architect G. Morris Whitehead II and funded by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. H. Fletcher Brown. The building featured a gymnasium, auditorium, pool, library, bowling alleys, and billiard room. While the original building was demolished in 1998, the current YMCA building maintains some of the original architectural elements, including friezes honoring notable African American figures. The documentary "Passport to Possibilities" shares compelling personal stories and archival footage to showcase the YMCA's influence on the community.

  • The Walnut Street YMCA was founded in 1941.
  • The original YMCA building was designed in 1939.
  • The current YMCA building was constructed in 1998 on the same site as the original.
  • The "Passport to Possibilities" documentary screening will take place on February 19, 2026.

The players

G. Morris Whitehead II

The Wilmington architect who designed the original Walnut Street YMCA building in 1939.

Mr. and Mrs. H. Fletcher Brown

The donors who provided the funding for the construction of the original Walnut Street YMCA building.

Dr. Jeanne Nutter

The acclaimed historian and author who created the "Passport to Possibilities" documentary about the Walnut Street YMCA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The "Passport to Possibilities" documentary screening event on February 19, 2026 will feature a cocktail reception, welcoming remarks from Dr. Jeanne Nutter, and the screening of the documentary.

The takeaway

The Walnut Street YMCA has been a vital institution in Wilmington's African American community for 85 years, serving as a hub for education, civil rights, and community life. The documentary screening celebrates this legacy and the YMCA's continued importance as a community resource.