In
early 2024 contact between Pontardawe Heritage centre and the Catasauqua,
Pennsylvania Historical Society, was made to collaborate on the production of a
David Thomas exhibition. David Thomas is
well known as the Father of the American Anthracite Iron Industry, and Catasauqua
was the town where he built his first Ironworks. This in turn sparked the
American industrial revolution.
It was noted at the time that the two towns of Pontardawe and Catasauqua were similar sized and followed parallel developments from agriculture to industrial, and further, to post industrial development. They also shared many common infrastructure developments such as a canal and redeveloped industrial sites.
Key stakeholders in Catasauqua became very interested in collaborating on more cross Atlantic cultural projects, and conversations began about a possible friendship agreement between our two towns.
The Pontardawe History society, Heritage centre and Chamber of Commerce liaised with Catasauqua town representatives, to explore the similarities between Catasauqua and Pontardawe.
The Catasauqua Town Council, High Street association and History Society then liaised with their counterparts locally in order to draw up and agreement of friendship between our towns.
A friendship agreement helps to foster international relationships by focussing on activities and exchanges that promote social, cultural, sporting and educational links
We are delighted to confirm that early in 2025 the friendship agreement was signed by a representative of the Pontardawe History Society, the Pontardawe Chamber of Trade and the Clerk of Pontardawe Town Council.
Already the local Rotary clubs of each country are interested in creating ties, and one of our local schools are interested in partnering with the Catasauqua High School on a joint cultural and heritage project.
We are sure that there will be more exciting collaboration between Ponty and Catty in the future.
