About Us

The International Sister Cities Program

The Sister Cities program was launched as a national concept at a White House conference in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He called for exchanges between American and peoples of other nations to encourage the development of long-term relationships that create international understanding. Nationally, there are more than 1,200 cities twinned with more than 2,000 cities worldwide. Cities each decide which programs to develop for their mutual benefit, but often encompass the arts, educational and cultural exchanges, economic/business development, science and technology partnerships.

No longer narrowly defined as an organization linked with a specific city, sister city programs are involved in much of a community’s international relations, often acting as a city’s international visitor center and friendship society.

The Princeton-Colmar Sister City Program

Since 1988, both Princeton and Colmar, France embarked on non-stop “people to people” activities involving middle and high school students and teachers, trade school and university students and professors,singers, dancers, municipal untilities administrators, chefs, soccer and basketball players. Along with these exchanges, there have been scientific and economic symposia and, on the lighter side, wine-tastings and celebratory dinners. Enduring friendships and professional liasions have emerged from these exchanges – and an abiding affection for Alsace wine has flowered in Princeton!

Although 3,870 miles separate both cities, the close relationship that has developed over the years, this distance has not posed an obstacle but rather it has offered an opportunity.

The Mission of the Princeton-Colmar Jumelage

To create and nurture permanent ties between the two cities through programs that establish and enhance friendships, provide enriching experiences for our two communities through the arts and culture, education, sports, science, and business and professional relationships.

History

When New York celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in October, 1986, Mayor Edmund Gerrer and Deputy-Mayor, Richard Riehm represented Colmar, the birthplace of the statute's sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi. At the time, both Colmar's Mayor and Princeton's Mayor Barbara Sigmund were looking for a Twin City for their towns. Quick to see a perfect fit, Barbara Sigmund invited Mayor Gerrer to Princeton to show him why Princeton would be the ideal Sister City. Et Voila, a healthy twinship was born!

Official ceremonies twinning the two towns were first held on May 6, 1987 in Colmar, and followed a year later in Princeton. Delegations from each twin city traveled to the celebrations ushering in the beginning of many exchange visits. During the 1988 visit, Colmar officials presented with the "Petit Vintner", a copy of the statue by Auguste Bartholdi. At the corner of Bayard Lane and Monument Drive, it is now a familiar site to Princetonians - an enduring symbol of Colmar's affection for Princeton.

Mayor Mildred Trotman, along with Board of Directors of the Princeton-Colmar Sister City Association continue to nurture the rich twinship by organizing numerous trips to Colmar and the region of Alsace as well as welcoming to Princeton students, athletes, singers, artists, and Colmarians of every metier. Colmar's Mayor Gilbert Meyer and Les Amis du Jumelage de Colmar, have in turn, made many Princetonians feel at home in their Sister city.