American Youth Hostels Inc.

American Youth Hostels Inc. is a nonprofit organization in the United States that is now part of Hostelling International USA. The entity with EIN 271079973 does not appear to be directly referenced in available sources, but the broader organization's history and mission are closely tied to the U.S. chapter of the international hostelling movement.

History

The concept of youth hostels originated in Germany in 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, an elementary school teacher who sought to introduce students to nature by organizing weekend field trips. This idea quickly spread across Europe, with over 3,000 hostels established by the early 1930s. The first international meeting of hostelling organizations was held in Amsterdam in 1932, resulting in the formation of the International Youth Hostel Federation.

In the United States, the movement was spearheaded by Isabel and Monroe Smith. They attended the second international hostelling conference in 1933 and subsequently opened the first American youth hostel in Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1934, thus founding American Youth Hostels (AYH).

Mission and Programs

The mission of the broader Hostelling International USA, which encompasses the legacy of American Youth Hostels Inc., is to foster a deeper understanding of the world and its people through hostelling. This mission focuses on promoting cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and affordable travel experiences. The organization offers various programs, including experiential learning experiences and intercultural exchange initiatives.

Activities and Partnerships

American Youth Hostels historically incorporated activities like bicycling into their programs, emphasizing outdoor recreation and travel. During the Great Depression, AYH used bicycling as a way to engage young people with the outdoors, aligning with their broader mission to promote health and cultural exploration. Over time, AYH collaborated with cycling groups and environmental organizations to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Legacy

Today, Hostelling International USA continues to grow as a leading provider of hostel accommodations and experiential travel programs. The organization remains dedicated to its founding principles of promoting intercultural understanding and responsible tourism practices.

[1] https://blogs.umb.edu/archives/2017/06/21/american-youth-hostel-records-explore-the-history-of-bicycling-in-this-newly-processed-collection/ [2] https://www.hiusa.org/about-us/history [3] https://www.hiusa.org/about-us [4] https://www.givemn.org/organization/American-Youth-Hostels-39 [5] https://hihostels.com/mission-and-values/