LA CROSSE DUBNA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION, INC. RECORDS, 1991-2005. 2.0 cubic feet (3 archives boxes and one flat box)

Abstract

Records of the La Crosse Dubna Friendship Association, Inc., Sister City program which document humanitarian, educational, cultural, economic, and other ties between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and its sister city Dubna, Russia, located near Moscow.

Records include history materials made up of an essay entitled “Reflections on a Sister-City Odyssey: La Crosse and Dubna” by Charles E. Hanson (2001), newspaper articles (2000-2004), and a book about Dubna written in Russian. Administrative materials include board of director minutes (2005), correspondence (2004), and newsletters (1990-1997). Programs include information on Hands Across the Heartlands (1992-1993) and Russia Week (1996). Youth programs/exchanges include materials on Pioneer Camp (1991), the exchange program (1992-1994), and a thematic exchange called “Ecology of Big Waters” (1993-1994). Memorabilia includes a commemorative plate from Dubna and a decorative painted spoon.

Acc. No. 1997-19, 1999-2, 1999-29
Donated by Karen Hoel, La Crosse/Dubna Friendship Assoc., 1997-1999
Processed by Anita Taylor Doering, July 2000

Acc. No. 2001-43 Donated by Bob Daley, La Crosse Rotary Club, 2001;
Acc. No. 2002-23 Donated by Karen Hoel, La Crosse/Dubna Friendship Assoc., July 2002;
Additions processed by Christine Stolz, Apr. 2005

History

The concept behind a sister city relationship is to bring people together from different countries in an effort to build bridges of understanding and goodwill. The relationship between Dubna, Russia, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, began in the 1980s when Dr. James Baumgaertner, a La Crosse dermatologist, worked as a peace activist with Dave Bell, a Dubna resident and American expatriot.

Dubna is a city built in 1954 as the home for the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. This facility developed the Soviet's first nuclear weapons. In 1980, the city had 60,000 people, and it is located about 65 miles north of Moscow.

The first 20-member delegation to Dubna from La Crosse was headed by lawyer Charles Hanson, president of the La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association. Documents were signed in a public ceremony La Crosse on Aug. 5, 1990, although the La Crosse Common Council officially designated Dubna as a sister city on Dec. 8, 1988.

Over time, many people have been involved in various contingents and delegations. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have both been very involved in exchange of information and cultural activities.

Two humanitarian efforts undertaken by the La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association include Hands Across the Heartlands I and II. This was an area wide food, clothing and medical supplies were donated and sent to Dubna. Dubna was experiencing a particularly severe winter. Two separate drives occurred; the first in 1992 was airlifted to Dubna and accompanied by a 16-member delegation; the second in 1993 was sent by sea.

Other efforts have involved student exchange programs in 2002 and 2004. The Association continues its efforts today to strengthen the ties between La Crosse and Dubna.

Scope and Content

Records of the La Crosse Dubna Friendship Association’s Sister City program which document humanitarian, educational, cultural, economic, and other ties between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and its sister city Dubna, Russia, located near Moscow. Records are divided into five series: History, Administrative materials, Programs, Youth Programs/Exchanges, and Memorabilia.

History materials include an essay entitled “Reflections on a Sister-City Odyssey: La Crosse and Dubna,” by Charles E. Hanson (2001), newspaper articles (2000-2004) some of which are written in Russian, but translations are provided, and a book about Dubna written in Russian.

Administrative materials include some board minutes (2005), correspondence (2004), and newsletters (1990-1997).

Programs are arranged in chronological order and include materials about Hands Across the Heartlands I & II (1992-1993) and Russia Week (1996).

Youth programs/exchanges are also arranged in chronological order and include information about Pioneer Camp (1991), Exchange Program (1992-1994) and a thematic exchange called “Ecology of Big Waters” (1993-1994).

Memorabilia contains a commemorative plate from Dubna and a decorative painted spoon.