The town of Wareham, Massachusetts, now has an official bridge to its namesake across the pond, thanks to the efforts of the Wareham Twinning Committee. This unique program, which pairs residents from Wareham, MA, with host families in Wareham, UK, has recently reached a significant milestone—becoming a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With this new status, the committee is poised to provide even greater support to participants and strengthen the bond between these two historic towns.
A Journey That Sparked a Movement
The story of the Wareham Twinning Committee began with a simple connection across the Atlantic. In 2012, during a series of events commemorating the War of 1812, local Wareham residents Claire and Howie Smith made contact with John Wright in Wareham, UK, through an art group. This exchange planted the seeds of curiosity about the town’s namesake overseas.
Years later, in 2017, Marie Wright from Wareham, UK, discovered she had cousins in Hyannis and traveled to Massachusetts, hoping to meet Claire for the first time. Their meeting at the Narrows further strengthened the budding relationship between the two Warehams.
The real turning point came in 2021 when Claire and Howie Smith traveled to Wareham, UK, carrying a letter from the Wareham Select Board as a gesture of goodwill. During their visit, they were warmly welcomed and even had a chance encounter with Boris Johnson’s father. What began as a personal journey soon evolved into something bigger—an exchange of culture, friendships, and hospitality. Inspired by their experiences, the Smiths and their counterparts in the UK began organizing host families for travelers on both sides, laying the foundation for what would become the Wareham Twinning Committee.
The Growing Demand for a Formal Program
As word of the exchange spread, it became clear that a more structured approach was needed. The turning point came when Claire was contacted by the Town Crier in Wareham, UK, who introduced her to Hillary Goodinge—the former mayor and head of their established twinning group. Until then, Claire hadn’t realized that Wareham, UK, already had an official twinning society. Having experienced such warm hospitality during their visit, she saw an opportunity to create a similar structure in Wareham, MA, to facilitate meaningful exchanges.
Claire wanted to ensure that any Wareham-to-Wareham program was built properly. As interest grew, so did the need for organization. A booth at Oyster Fest helped gauge local enthusiasm, and a list of willing host families quickly formed. To make the experience more personal, prospective travelers were paired with hosts and encouraged to exchange letters beforehand, allowing them to get to know each other before their visits.
Now, the Wareham Twinning Comittee is preparing for its next major milestone—the first official group trip to Wareham, UK, scheduled for May 16-24, 2024.
Achieving Nonprofit Status and Expanding Efforts
Recognizing the potential of their mission, the Wareham Twinning Committee pursued official nonprofit status to strengthen its operations and expand its reach. The recent approval of its 501(c)(3) designation marks a major milestone, unlocking new opportunities to support cultural exchange between the two Warehams.
With this status, the committee can now apply for community event grants and cultural council grants, helping to fund future initiatives. It also allows for more effective fundraising efforts, including events where a percentage of proceeds can go directly toward supporting host families, travel expenses, and exchange programs. This designation ensures the long-term sustainability of the program, making it easier to foster meaningful cross-Atlantic connections for years to come.
Upcoming Trip
With its newly established nonprofit status, the Wareham Twinning Committee is gearing up for its first official group trip to Wareham, UK, from May 16-24, 2024. There’s still time for interested individuals to take part, but those who want to travel with the Twinning Group should reach out before April, as that is the cutoff for coordination. Flights and accommodations are booked individually, though members of the Twinning Group are happy to assist with planning.
The itinerary is flexible—while the trip begins and ends in Wareham, UK, travelers are free to explore however they’d like in between. Whether staying in town to experience local culture, visiting other parts of the UK, or even taking the underground train to mainland Europe, participants can shape their trip to fit their interests. For those interested in joining this unique cultural exchange, now is the time to get involved!
Supporting the Mission: How to Get Involved
The Wareham Twinning Committee is more than just a travel opportunity—it’s about building meaningful relationships and strengthening the connection between two communities across the Atlantic. Whether you want to travel, host, donate, or volunteer, there are plenty of ways to support the mission. If you can’t make the trip but want to support the cause, donations help fund community events, assist host families, and expand future exchanges. While the committee works on naming a treasurer, they are simultaneously exploring ways to raise funds through grants, cultural council support, and fundraisers. Community members can support the committee by attending meetings, assisting with fundraiser planning, or volunteering at events. Reach out to Claire Smith directly at: cls550@comcast.net to get involved.
To follow updates on future trips, fundraisers, and events, join the Wareham Twinning Committee’s Facebook Group and send a message to learn more. With continued support, this program will keep growing, providing a unique, meaningful, and educational exchange between the two Warehams for years to come.
