Un Bel Gemellaggio
Cody Stover's short film on the friendship between Medford and Alba.
A Friendship Born of Vision
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower envisioned a world where ordinary citizens could build lasting friendships across borders. His "People to People" initiative encouraged American cities to partner with international counterparts.
Four years later, Medford answered that call. Seeking a sister city that mirrored its own character, civic leaders identified Alba, Italy as the perfect match. Both cities shared similar populations, agricultural economies, river valley geography, and proximity to mountains.
On February 18, 1960, the partnership became official. What began as a civic gesture has blossomed into one of America's oldest and most vibrant sister city relationships.
The original 1960 charter establishing the sister city relationship
Timeline of Our Journey
People to People Initiative
President Eisenhower launches the "People to People" program to foster international friendships through citizen diplomacy.
Medford and Alba agree to become sister cities
On February 18, 1960, the mayors of Medford and Alba, Italy became sister cities based on similar size, geography, climate, and agricultural character. Later that year, Greg Milnes, a university student from Medford is the first American ambassador to Alba.
Pino Dutto is first Italian visitor
Pino Dutto (25) is the first ambassador from Alba to Medford. His trip included a stop in Washington DC and he lived with a host family in Medford. Pino has since visited Medford and the United States dozens of times and is still an active supporter of our sister city relationship at 89 years of age.
Enrico Demaria visits Medford
A young Enrico Demaria travels to Medford as the second ambassador. Enrico met with Medford city leaders as well as leaders from local pear and lumber industries.
Bicentennial dedication of pine trees
Pine trees planted in front of the Medford City Hall to commemorate the USA Bicentennial are dedicated to Alba as our sister city.
Student Exchange Begins
The formal bi-annual student exchange program launches, sending the first group of Rogue Valley high schoolers to live with Italian families in Alba.
Alba Park in Medford Renamed
The oldest park in Medford, formerly called Library Park, is renamed Alba Park. The park includes a 1984 planting in memory of Enrico Demaria, the second ambassador to Medford from Alba.
The Auction Begins
The first Alba Auction to support the student exchange is held in the Knights of Columbus Hall and the main item auctioned off was a hot air balloon ride.
Alba mayor leads Pear Blossom Parade
Alba mayor Enzo Demaria is the Grand Marshal of Medford's Pear Blossom Parade and an entourage of 39 Italian visitors from Alba accompany him to Medford.
Medford & Alba Celebrate 40 Years
In celebration of the turn of the century and the sister cities' 40th anniversary, numerous visits occurred in both directions including a group of gourmets and a group of journalists to Alba.
John Snider Way dedicated in Alba
On the 50th anniversary of the sister cities, Alba names a street after John Snider, the former Medford mayor who promoted the program.
Pear Blossom Grand Marshal
The Medford Alba Sister City Association is Grand Marshal of the Pear Blossom Parade. Four dignitaries from Alba rode in the float, including Pino Dutto, first ambassador to Medford, and his daughter Luisa.
Medford Delegation Visits Alba
A group of 10 from the Medford Committee traveled to Alba in October for the White Truffle Festival, along with three of Alba's other sister cities from France, Spain, and Germany.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the remarkable story of the 1962 Telestar call that connected our two cities.
Read About the Telestar Call