Our History
Over sixty years ago concerns for world peace permeated peoples’ minds. World War II had ended less than a decade previous, and the cold war was a reality. Yet a group of persistent dedicated folks, separated by thousands of miles, embraced the concept that by breaking down barriers of communication, a bond of friendship could be created among peoples of different cultures, of different religions and of different ancestry.
Furthermore, it was believed that ordinary folks might want to experience foreign travel, to practice a foreign language, and to engage in cultural and economic exchange. And to learn about foreign cultures, it was envisioned that families and individuals would live with a family abroad.
What evolved was a people-to-people program buoyed by President Eisenhower, local political leaders, educators, and everyday citizens. This program was given an official label – The York Twinning Association, Inc. (YTA) and it has flourished for well over half a century.
During the time of its existence, thousands of folks – families, adults, students, business people, service people and educators have shared homes, businesses and communities in York, USA, Arles, France, and Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany.
Key to the introduction of YTA to the world were two senior educators employed by the School District of the City of York, PA: Dr. Victoria Lyles, Superintendent of Elementary Instruction, and Miss Marguerite Eriksson, French teacher. Under the introduction by Dr. Lyles, the teaching of French language was an integral component of the elementary curriculum. In addition it was also her innovative reputation that had the U.S. Commissioner of Education recommend the School District of the City of York for an experimental twinning program. The association between York, PA and Arles, France is recognized to be the longest continuous relationship between a French and American city, per establishment in 1954. The French Jumelages committee and YTA are celebrating their 65th year of participating in the twinning experience.
See pages of our 50th Anniversary Book:
Furthermore, it was believed that ordinary folks might want to experience foreign travel, to practice a foreign language, and to engage in cultural and economic exchange. And to learn about foreign cultures, it was envisioned that families and individuals would live with a family abroad.
What evolved was a people-to-people program buoyed by President Eisenhower, local political leaders, educators, and everyday citizens. This program was given an official label – The York Twinning Association, Inc. (YTA) and it has flourished for well over half a century.
During the time of its existence, thousands of folks – families, adults, students, business people, service people and educators have shared homes, businesses and communities in York, USA, Arles, France, and Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany.
Key to the introduction of YTA to the world were two senior educators employed by the School District of the City of York, PA: Dr. Victoria Lyles, Superintendent of Elementary Instruction, and Miss Marguerite Eriksson, French teacher. Under the introduction by Dr. Lyles, the teaching of French language was an integral component of the elementary curriculum. In addition it was also her innovative reputation that had the U.S. Commissioner of Education recommend the School District of the City of York for an experimental twinning program. The association between York, PA and Arles, France is recognized to be the longest continuous relationship between a French and American city, per establishment in 1954. The French Jumelages committee and YTA are celebrating their 65th year of participating in the twinning experience.
See pages of our 50th Anniversary Book:
References:
Congressional Record, “People to People”: Extension of Remarks March 17, 1959, of Hon. James M. Quigley of Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. April 15 1959.
York Twinning, Fifty Years of International Friendship: 1954-2004: Cluck, Stewart, Van Newkirk, Dr. Carolyn J., Van Newkirk, Dr. Jack C., pub. by York Twinning Assn. 2004
Congressional Record, “People to People”: Extension of Remarks March 17, 1959, of Hon. James M. Quigley of Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. April 15 1959.
York Twinning, Fifty Years of International Friendship: 1954-2004: Cluck, Stewart, Van Newkirk, Dr. Carolyn J., Van Newkirk, Dr. Jack C., pub. by York Twinning Assn. 2004