A relatively close relationship

Maxine and Bob Updenkelder at the Port Festival in Mombetsu, 1986

Explore six decades of international friendship when Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center presents “Building Bridges of Friendship Since 1966,” marking the 60th year of the sister city relationship between Newport and Mombetsu, Japan.

The exhibit opens with a public reception on Thursday, March 12.

Established in 1966 through the efforts of individual citizens and civic groups including Rotary and local chambers of commerce, the partnership emerged at a time when many residents on both sides of the ocean were seeking to strengthen peaceful ties in the years following World War II.

Over time, Sister City committees in Newport and Mombetsu assumed stewardship of the program, which has remained rooted in community participation and person-to-person exchange.

The exhibition features gifts presented to the City of Newport from Mombetsu, along with photographs and historical materials documenting the early days of the relationship and its continued growth.

Thursday’s reception is from 4 to 6 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. The display continues through Sept. 27. For more information, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.