Friendship Road Association preserves and promotes the remarkable history of the 1866 American Colony journey from Jonesport, Maine to Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel. Our story begins with a simple belief: history has the power to bring people together. In 1866, a group of dedicated Americans sailed from Jonesport on the Nellie Chapin, and Rolla Floyd stayed to build the first carriage road to Jerusalem, establishing the Friendship Road. Today, we continue this legacy by preserving historic landmarks, creating museum exhibits and educational programs, and producing films and guided experiences that connect remarkable stories with diverse audiences.

Through connecting history, heritage, art, and education across our museums in Maine and Israel, we inspire friendship across cultures. We are committed to honoring the vision of those early pioneers while making their stories accessible and meaningful to contemporary audiences. Our work bridges continents and communities, demonstrating how shared history can foster understanding, respect, and lasting connections between people of different backgrounds and nations.