The concept behind a sister city relationship is to bring people together from different countries in an effort to build bridges of understanding and goodwill. The relationship between Dubna, Russia, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, began in the 1980s when Dr. James Baumgaertner, a La Crosse dermatologist, worked as a peace activist with Dave Bell, a Dubna resident and American expatriate.

Dubna is a city built in 1954 as the home for the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. This facility developed the Soviet’s first nuclear weapons. In 1980, the city had 60,000 people, and it is located about 65 miles north of Moscow.

Lawyer Charles Hanson, president of the La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association, headed the first 20-member delegation to Dubna from La Crosse. Documents were signed in a public ceremony La Crosse on Aug. 5, 1990, although the La Crosse Common Council officially designated Dubna as a sister city on Dec. 8, 1988.

Over time, many people have been involved in various contingents and delegations. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse have both been very involved in exchange of information and cultural activities.

Two humanitarian efforts undertaken by the La Crosse-Dubna Friendship Association include Hands Across the Heartlands I and II. This was an area wide food, clothing and medical supplies drive, and items were donated and sent to Dubna. Dubna was experiencing a particularly severe winter. Two separate drives occurred; the first in 1992 was airlifted to Dubna and accompanied by a 16-member delegation; the second in 1993 was sent by sea.

Other efforts have involved student exchange programs in 2002 and 2004. The Association continues its efforts today to strengthen the ties between La Crosse and Dubna.