Historical links from the first man on the moon creates a bond between Langholm and Ohio
This has been in the pipeline for five years.
Last updated 26th Apr 2024
Langholm and an American city are striking up a kinship, after an unlikely link with the first man on the moon.
Neil Armstrong, who's from Wapakoneta in Ohio, family's name originates in the muckle toon.
The idea of the mutual connection dates back to Armstrong’s visit in 1972.
After many discussions between the two towns – 3,600 miles apart – over the last five years, they both have worked to create a proclamation, promoting each other’s culture, heritage, and educational and economic exchanges.
Langholm Councillor Denis Male explains how this came about:
‘It’s a little bit of a curious one. Technically, there is no connection other than the name Armstrong.
‘It was our old town Clark in the days of the town council who thought it would be a good idea seeing as his name was Armstrong, to see if he could get the moon man to come – everyone thought he was mad!
‘But along with his assistant Grace Brown, they made the contacts and lo and behold, in 1972, Neil Armstrong appeared with his wife and the town had a wonderful day.’
The town is hopeful this new bond will bring many benefits and attract a new clientele, bringing over tourists who will be interested in learning more about the past.
‘The fact that we will be notified on the international stage as this having happened and people will pick this up in locations in different papers and different Facebook pages, saying that Langholm is a place that has a great deal of history and they’ll like to come and visit it’, says Male.
This unusual relationship could bring great benefits for Langholm
As well as boosting the economic and tourism sector, there is potential for exchange visits to commence for high school students, educating both sides of this historical connection.
‘If they’re involved in exchange visits, then it’ll be special exchange visits where youth coming from America could learn all about the culture and history of this town. We’ve got so much to offer.
‘And I would hope those going to Wapakoneta will at least be able to visit the museum of Neil Armstrong.’
Langholm Academy's Headteacher Lauren McLean is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead:
'We are very excited to hear the news of the establishment of a Kinship Connection with Wapakoneta, the hometown of Neil Armstrong. The prospect of our young people from Langholm and Canonbie Schools Cluster making connections with other young people from Wapakoneta, to learn about their way of life, their hobbies, culture, educational experiences and opportunities is fantastic, and we look forward to being involved in the Kinship Connection as it develops.
'I am positive our young people will benefit greatly from developing these international connections and we'd be delighted to see an exchange programme being developed between the schools.'