Explore Your Past
Welcome to the Swiss Center of North America!
Come inside the Swiss Center and explore the stories of the Swiss in the United States and Canada. Our collection holds intricate costumes, cheerful folk art, wood carvings, religious icons, and more. What did Swiss immigrants choose to bring with them, and why? Visit us today, and discover your past!
The Swiss Center of North America values heritage, culture and our relationships with Switzerland.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, preserving, and celebrating all that is Swiss in North America.
Revolving Exhibit
Scherenschnitte & the Schiessers: Rediscovering a Lost Art
Visit the Swiss Center to see our latest revolving exhibit, Scherenschnitte & The Schiessers: Rediscovering a Lost Art.
Elda and Linda Schiesser of Green County, Wisconsin, were both accomplished self-taught scherenschnitte artists. Beginning later in life, the Schiessers taught themselves this intricate folk art using instructional books, interviews, and careful observation. Their work bridges historical tradition and personal perseverance, demonstrating that creativity and learning have no age limit. The Schiessers' creations have been displayed at the Museum of American Folk Art, the Swiss National Museum in Zurich, the Smithsonian’s American Folklife Festival on the National Mall, the White House Christmas tree, and many other places.
Scherenschnitte, which means "scissor cuts," is the art of paper cutting and design. The artwork often has rotational symmetry within the design, and common forms include silhouettes, valentines, and love letters. The art tradition was founded in Switzerland and Germany in the 16th century and was brought to colonial America in the 18th century by Swiss and German immigrants who settled primarily in Pennsylvania.
This temporary exhibit presents a diverse selection of the Schiessers’ work, spanning traditional forms and contemporary interpretations.
What We Do
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
December 6, 2008 we celebrated the grand opening of the Swiss Center of North America with supporters from around the continent.
Growth
Our beginnings
Our beginnings
In the past 15 years, we have amassed more than 10,000 Swiss-American artifacts, books, and documents.
Visitors
Our beginnings
Swiss Connections
We are open to the public, and share our stories of the Swiss in North America with ambassadors, politicians, celebrities, and members of the public.
Swiss Connections
Sharing Swiss Traditions
Swiss Connections
We're committed to connecting and communicating with Swiss organizations like the Swiss Benevolent Society of Chicago.
Sharing Swiss Traditions
Sharing Swiss Traditions
Sharing Swiss Traditions
We love sharing the fascinating traditions of Switzerland, and how they've been translated into North American events. Every winter we chase away the cold with the Appenzeller Silvesterchlauen.
Get Involved
Sharing Swiss Traditions
Sharing Swiss Traditions
Make a difference in preserving Swiss culture and heritage in North America! Make a financial donation, or gift your Swiss family photographs, letters, clothing, club records, or other culturally significant treasures.