Saratoga Springs - Chekhov Sister City is a non-profit organization in Saratoga Springs, NY that develops partnerships with similar cities around the world (specifically Chekhov, Russia) to share educational, economical, and social ideas. The Two Cities:
Saratoga Springs and Chekhov are often described as 'cities in the country' and are located near major metropolitan areas and major north/south
expressways. Both cities are endowed with an ample number of mineral springs that supply local bottled water industries, abundant open spaces for large dairy farms and agricultural production and excellent transportation for global commerce. The City of Chekhov's original name, Lopasnaya, was first recorded in 1176 as a cluster of trading villages along the Lopasnaya River. This early history can be compared to our Native American settlements along the Hudson and Mohawk rivers during the same period. Following Stalin's death in the early 1950s, the city's name was changed to honor Anton Chekhov, Russia's most beloved writer, physician and humanitarian. When Chekhov's name is mentioned, Russians always smile. Both cities are led by young mayors whose commitment to smart growth and historic preservation strengthens the unique character and appeal of both cities. The largest printing house in Europe is located in Chekhov while Quadgraphics in Saratoga Springs is the largest printing house in North America. Our world class Yaddo writers' retreat compares in reputation to Chekhov's national museum and theater at Melikhovo where, in May of each year, a well established international theater festival is held to honor Russia's national hero. Over 30 varieties of lilacs are usually in bloom in Chekhov's gardens during the festival. Since Perestroika, 15 Russian Orthodox churches have come back to life in Chekhov, the most impressive being a completely restored 16th century monastery, David's Hermitage. The ancestral family estate, chapel and burial grounds of Alexander Pushkin's wife are now open to the public following a 10-year restoration effort. The 60th anniversary of World War II inspired the development of new military museums and monuments to honor fallen heroes in both cities. Over 25,000,000 Russian men and women perished in the Great Patriotic War. Chekhov has excellent schools. A well-balanced course of study in literature, sciences and the arts nevertheless places special emphasis on the study of chemistry and physics. English language study begins in second grade. The study of physics begins in the 5th grade and continues through high school. After-school programs for dance, art and music are held in "palaces for children's creativity." These have been an important component of children's education and development since the 19th century and remain so today. Schools in Chekhov and Saratoga Springs are now connected through Internet services that were made available during the 2003 award-winning NASA Student Mars Research collaboration. Chekhov's handsome and impressive new sports complex, ice arena and workout rooms will be a training center for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. City leaders in Chekhov have enthusiastically expressed interest in exchanging school sports teams. The city is proud to be the home city of the nation's leading handball team.
