Established: 1980, under Mayor Jim McConn
Contact Person: Ann-Brith Berge
Contact Information: anne-brith@nacchouston.org
About the Relationship:
Founded in 1980 as a result of a Norwegian Festival and strong oil and shipping industries both in Houston and in Stavanger, Houston/Galveston-Stavanger Sister City Society has been actively engaged in promotion and goodwill. Then in 1988, Galveston having been involved in many of the activities that year formally joined the organization. Thus, on September 26, 1988, the mayors of the three cities signed a formal document joining the organization in an educational, business, and cultural exchange program.
The primary activities have been cultural exchanges at which Houston/Galveston and Stavanger have alternated as host every other year. These programs, which have won several awards from Sister Cities International, have emphasized youth. Participating student delegations have included music, drama, and athletic groups who have performed or competed at schools and other sites.
The Society helps build long-term relationships between Houston/Galveston and Stavanger by sponsoring many activities. The organization was involved both when the late King Olav V of Norway and the present King Harald V of Norway visited Houston as well as when the Norwegian ambassador to the U.S. visited here and hence reciprocal visits. Additionally, the Society suggested and implemented the membership of the Stavanger Chamber of Commerce in the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce as its first foreign member. Since the organization’s inception, the King of Norway has decorated four Houstonians. Houston has also been chosen the “Port-of-Honor” by many Norwegian ships.
Additionally, the Society hosts annual activities for its members which are interesting, educational, and cultural and which give the participants an opportunity to be acquainted with the people of Norway.
Find out more about Stavanger, Norway.