Carnegie, Pennsylvania & Kelty, Scotland Sister City Partnership
On March 16, 2023, the Borough of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, USA and the Village of Kelty, Fife, Scotland officially established a Sister City partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), creating a lasting friendship between two communities connected by shared heritage, similar histories, and common values.
The partnership began as a research project by former Carnegie Junior Councilperson Mac Johnson in 2021, who explored communities that would be a meaningful match for Carnegie. While Andrew Carnegie was born in nearby Dunfermline, Scotland, its population was significantly larger than Carnegie's. Johnson identified the Village of Kelty as an ideal partner because of its comparable size and its rich coal mining heritage, an important part of both communities' histories.
Former Borough Administration Deneen Underwood initiated contact with Fred Clarke, Chair of the Kelty Community Council and opened communication between Kelty and Carnegie officials. Together they developed the partnership agreement and coordinated the steps that led to the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was signed by Chair of Kelty Community Council Fred Clarke, Carnegie Borough Council President Philip Boyd, and Carnegie Borough Mayor Stacie Riley on behalf of their respective communities.
Village of Kelty
Located in the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland, Kelty developed during the nineteenth century as a thriving coal mining community. Although the mines have long since closed, the village continues to celebrate its industrial heritage while embracing community pride, volunteerism, recreation, and cultural traditions. Today, the Village of Kelty is a welcoming community whose residents value history, education, and civic engagement.
Borough of Carnegie
The Borough of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1894 combining the municipalities of Chartiers and Mansfield and named in honor of philanthropist and industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who donated and helped to establish its Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall. Like Kelty, Carnegie has roots in the industries that shaped its region, including coal mining and steel production. Today, Carnegie is known for its historic downtown, vibrant arts community, local businesses, and commitment to community engagement and sustainability.
Building International Friendships
The Memorandum of Understanding recognizes that international collaboration strengthens communities and encourages cooperation. The agreement also establishes a framework for both municipalities to continue identifying new opportunities for collaboration that benefit residents of both communities.
Since establishing the partnership, representatives from both communities have built meaningful friendships through ongoing communication and shared plans for initiatives. The Borough of Carnegie dedicated and named a park shelter in Carnegie Municipal Park to honor the sister city agreement, naming the newly built park shelter "The Kelty Shelter." Following a visit to Kelty, the Borough of Carnegie is proud to call the Village of Kelty our Sister City. We look forward to many years of collaboration, cultural exchange, and friendship between our two communities.