Our Sister City, Suzdal, Russia
Windham Sister City Committee
In the fall of 1992, an official Sister City Agreement was signed between the Selectmen of Windham and the Town Administration of Suzdal, Russia. This association was initiated by John Barry, Nancy Lamontagne and Steve Lamontagne upon returning from a trip to Russia. Located 140 miles northeast of Moscow, Suzdal was chosen as a Sister City because of several reasons. Suzdal is rural and agricultural - like Windham was in the past. Suzdal is about the same size and population as Windham and Suzdal is a tourist center of interest to people all over the world - as New Hampshire also depends greatly upon tourism. Delegations from Suzdal have visited Windham on four occasions to date. Four officials visited in October of 1993. In May 1995, Olga Surikova and her mother and brother visited for two weeks. Olga is featured in the children's book which is set in Suzdal, Russian Girl, Life in an Old Russian Town by Russ Kendall. Later near Christmas the former Mayor of Suzdal visited for a short time while touring the States with a group from Vladimir. The largest group of visitors spent time in Windham last summer- July 1996. Nine people of various occupations lived with families and experienced work places similar to their own. The committee hopes to host a similar group this summer - 1997. Updates will follow as plans become set.
When citizens of Windham travel to Suzdal it has become the custom to bring as many medical supplies as possible. Latex gloves are much appreciated as it is extremely difficult to obtain these in Russia. Bringing aid to the children in the two orphanages and supplying to date two working computers capable of sending email has been a particular focus of members of the committee. Students in the second grade at Golden Brook School have sent email to the children in the Second Form in Suzdal. The committee hopes to encourage continued communications between students in the future.
Facts About Suzdal
Suzdal is one of the oldest towns in Russia, first appearing in the chronicles in 1024. Recent discoveries show that the town is probably older. There are many churches in Suzdal - between 30 and 40 of them. There is a working convent and monastery. The many historical monuments there are being continuously restored. The area around Suzdal is agricultural. The weather in Suzdal is very similar to northern New England in all seasons. There are however no mountains near this area in Russia.
Goals of the Sister City Committee
To encourage exchanges between Windham and Suzdal- business, cultural, educational, medical, political, environmental and sports related. To promote Suzdal as a tourist destination. To specifically support the needs of the children in the Suzdal orphanages. To foster friendships which will carry over into future generations.
A wonderful relationship has developed with the women of the Suzdal Quilters. In May 1997 a quilt was presented to the Selectmen as a gift from this group. The Chairman of the Sister City Committee, Barbara Coish has several appliqued wall hanging quilts of various themes which can be purchased. All of the proceeds will return to the quilters. For information about the quilts or the Sister City Committee and its relationship with Suzdal call Barbara Coish at 898-9520
©2004, Town of Windham, Sister City Committee. All rights reserved.