The New Glarus Historical Society grew out of the newly-organized Green County Historical Society in 1939 and held its first gathering September 22, 1939, at the Chalet of the Golden Fleece. J.U. Freitag was elected as its first president and a constitution and by-laws were drawn up that fall. Plans evolved to create a historical village museum to preserve items from the Swiss Colony. The first log building opened in 1942 on land leased from the Village of New Glarus.

While the museum continued to operate and a log church was added in 1952, the organization lapsed until it was reorganized in April of 1956. J.J. Figi was elected president and the society then organized as a non-profit corporation. Articles of corporation, with some input from the Wisconsin Historical Society, were drawn up and registered with the State of Wisconsin on May 5, 1959. The Historical Society continues to operate as a regional affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society. It is a registered non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization with the federal government and the State of Wisconsin.

Since the early years of the organization, the Swiss Historical Village has been expanded to include 14 buildings that house artifacts donated by local and area residents, many of whom are descendants of the original settlers. The building displays trace the Swiss colony’s growth into a dairy farming community that continues to keep its ethnic heritage alive today.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Hall of History, built in 1970 with funds donated by the generous residents of Canton Glarus, Switzerland. The Hall of History displays tell the immigration story and offer a glimpse of the many ways we have celebrated our Swiss heritage in New Glarus since its founding in 1845.

The Society continues operations under the direction of an unpaid Board of Directors and a group of dedicated volunteers, using funds received from museum admissions, grants, memberships, and donations reflecting the generosity of area residents and businesses, as well as residents of Canton Glarus, Switzerland.

The New Glarus Historical Society welcomes a wide range of visitors of all ages from throughout the United States as well as many foreign countries.