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.