About

 The Swiss Historical Village & Museum presents the unique story of the founding of New Glarus in 1845 and traces the Swiss colony's growth into a dairy farming community that continues to keep alive its ethnic heritage. Today the Swiss Historical Village is comprised of 14 buildings, some replicas and some original buildings (eg, Settler’s Cabin, Smoke House, Collectibles building - an old rural schoolhouse). There are many original and donated collectibles in the buildings.

The Hall of History was built with funds from the people of Glarus, Switzerland and has videos and many exhibits, including a Civil War canon and military memorabilia as sons of the original settlers served valiantly in the War for the North.

The Swiss Historical Village & Museum, in the heart of "America's Little Switzerland," is owned and operated by the New Glarus Historical Society, Inc. The Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of artifacts, records, and family histories of the Swiss immigrants and their descendants. The Society is affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society and is a member of the New Glarus Chamber of Commerce.

The Historical Society was formed in 1938 and the first building (now the Community Building) was constructed in 1942 in the style of the original cabins. The land for the Swiss Historical Village & Museum was donated by Dr. Schindler (who established the Monroe Clinic) and his siblings, all of whom were descendants of the original immigrant, Abraham Schindler, and Gabriel Schindler.

The Society is gratefully supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society, as well as through membership and donations from local businesses and the public.

Each year, the Swiss Historical Village & Museum welcomes a wide range of school groups, history buffs, Swiss enthusiasts, charters, families and sightseers. We hope to see you soon!

With Special Thanks to the

New Glarus Historical Society

Board - Effective March 2024

Larry Klassy, President

David Hustad, Vice President

John Freitag, Treasurer

Carol Hassemer, Secretary

Kelly Ruschman

Jackie Judd-Scheurer

Al Lienhardt

Tim Pauli

Dwight Truttmann