Plans were suggested by an Executive Committee on June 5, 1897 for the construction of the Girls and Boys Building. The plans were approved on June 17 and then laid before the Board of Directors on July 1. It was decided that the necessary funds would be raised through the donations of grade school students from Nebraska and surrounding states.

The Board offered three incentives to donate to the project:
1. You would recieve a picture on a certificate when you pledged $1 or more. Lydia McCague's design was used on the certificates, and 1,737 were awarded.
2. If you pledged $10 or more, your name appeared on an honor roll that was exhibited in the hall of the building.
3. Pictures that decorated the building's halls would be given to the schools with the largest per capita contribution. Those pictures deemed unsuitable for schools were given to the Omaha Public Library.

In February, a magazine, "The Hatchett," was issued and sold resulting in a profit of $600.

The Girls and Boys Building was completed on June 15 and dedicated on July 4. Features included a creche conducted by Mrs. A. Moore that took care of 2000 children during the exposition.

The most important exhibits included the "International Doll Collection" and the "Model School Room." In all, there were 13 exhibits.