Gloucester County is joining the ranks of other like-named communities throughout the U.S. and abroad through the newly formed “Gloucester Collaboration.”

A relationship that started through celebration and commemoration of Gloucester, Virginia-born Pocahontas resulted in several visits back and forth with people from Gravesend, where Pocahontas is buried, and in Gloucester, England. This new and growing program will be managed and facilitated by The Pocahontas Project, a local nonprofit.

The idea of connecting with citizens of Gloucester, England, is now being expanded throughout the U.S. and abroad to other localities bearing the Gloucester name. At this time, there are 11 other Gloucester communities in five different countries that may participate. The hope is to provide cultural and educational exchanges that will facilitate opportunities for government diplomacy and citizen connections.

The Gloucester Collaboration also intends to promote environmental stewardship on a ...