From the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the shores of Lake Superior, an 8,000-mile connection has been forged through shared history and the rediscovery of one of World War II’s most iconic fighter planes, the P-38 Lightning flown by America’s Ace of Aces, Major Richard Bong. That connection has now become official with the establishment of a sister city partnership between Poplar, Wisconsin, and Madang, Papua New Guinea, an international relationship initiated by the leadership of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center.
This international relationship began in 2024 when the Center, in partnership with Pacific Wrecks, located the wreckage of Marge, Bong’s iconic P‑38 Lightning aircraft, which had remained hidden in the jungles of Papua New Guinea for over 80 years. The discovery created new ties between the two regions, over 8,000 miles apart, eventually leading to cultural outreach efforts coordinated with the U.S. State Department and Sister Cities International.
The Bong Center’s curator, Briana Fiandt, along with Sister Cities International, traveled to Madang in July 2025 to formalize the partnership in person. The visit has been met with open arms and media attention in PNG and across the Pacific.
“We believe history should connect people, not just to the past, but to each other. At the Bong Center, we’ve now built this over 8,000-mile-long bridge. Truly connecting the past and the present people,” said Executive Director John Gidley. “This partnership creates real bonds, and it puts Superior Wisconsin on the world’s radar, with pride and purpose.
The partnership not only commemorates shared WWII history but also lays the foundation for:
- Cultural and educational exchange,
- Heritage tourism opportunities
- Future community-to-community collaborations will benefit both regions.
Coverage of the sister city relationship has appeared in the PNG Post-Courier, Superior Telegram, Lake Superior Magazine, and was celebrated by the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby as a model of people-to-people diplomacy.
Media Links:
- Poplar, USA and Madang Forge Sister City Partnership – Post Courier
- Poplar Poised for Historic Partnership – Superior Telegram
- U.S. Embassy Celebrates Cultural Exchange – PNG Post Courier
- Around the Circle Coverage – Lake Superior Magazine
Donate now to help create the next exhibit celebrating the adventure of finding Marge, Richard I. Bong’s P-38 Lightning.