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We seek to achieve this mission through:
- Partnerships with Education
- Culture
- Economic development
- Shared dialogue
The History of Sister Cities
In 1956, Sister Cities International was established as a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between US and International communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding, and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct long-term cultural exchange programs between Sister Cities. In 1990, then Mayor James B. “Jick” Garland was approached by a local businessman, Kurt Scholler, who suggested Gastonia get involved in the International Sister Cities Program. Mayor Garland contacted a friend, Bill Lawson, to spearhead a citizens group for the purpose of establishing a local Sister Cities nonprofit organization. The rest is history!
In 1956, Sister Cities International was established as a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between US and International communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at the municipal level, to promote cultural understanding, and to stimulate economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community volunteer action by motivating and empowering private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct long-term cultural exchange programs between Sister Cities. In 1990, then Mayor James B. “Jick” Garland was approached by a local businessman, Kurt Scholler, who suggested Gastonia get involved in the International Sister Cities Program. Mayor Garland contacted a friend, Bill Lawson, to spearhead a citizens group for the purpose of establishing a local Sister Cities nonprofit organization. The rest is history!
Gastonia now has two Sister Cities: Gotha, Germany, and Santiago de Surco, Peru.
Gotha, Germany
Gotha, Germany
A formal Sister Cities agreement was signed on April 19, 1993 with this city located in the central Thuringia area of Germany. Gotha, with a population of approximately 60,000, is involved in a mutual flow of exchanges and programs with Gastonia. Since 1993, at least two student exchanges per year occur as the basis for our German Language Program. Teachers, artists, and professionals continue to enhance this long standing affiliation.
A formal Sister Cities agreement was signed on April 19, 1993 with this city located in the central Thuringia area of Germany. Gotha, with a population of approximately 60,000, is involved in a mutual flow of exchanges and programs with Gastonia. Since 1993, at least two student exchanges per year occur as the basis for our German Language Program. Teachers, artists, and professionals continue to enhance this long standing affiliation.
Santiago de Surco, Peru
Santiago de Surco, Peru
On the evening of March 22, 2004 at the Schiele Museum, Santiago de Surco, Peru became Gastonia’s second Sister City. The formal agreement assures an exchange of “culture, historical sites, delicious food and hospitality.” Santiago de Surco is a district of Lima with a population of 240,000, filled with diversity, unique beauty, and energy.
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For more information on Sister Cities, please see the Quick Links section to the right.
Contact Information:
Garland Municipal Business Center
150 S. York Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
(PO Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-869-1008 (office)
704-866-6067 (fax)
Email Becca Hurd